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INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Adobe Stock #221629504
Any problems with deliveries can cause serious delays, especially on larger projects. Andrew Tavener, Head of Marketing for Fleet Solutions at Descartes Systems, explains how route planning and optimisation software can help merchants ensure schedules can be kept on track to minimise on-site delays for their customers.
On time, in full K
eeping building projects on track is a challenge for construction companies, with findings from Cornerstone Projects revealing that an estimated 90% of large-scale construction projects are being delivered late, and almost two thirds of these by at least two months. Additionally, data from nPlan shows that as many as one in four construction projects are delivered more than 250 days late, with 10% delayed by up to a year. Such challenges are all too familiar across the sector and these delays can have knock-on implications, affecting overall costs and project profitability too. Delivery delays can be a significant contributing factor, resulting in costly overruns and missed deadlines. Accordingly, builders’ merchants have a key role in ensuring a project can be kept on schedule. With merchants often needing to coordinate many logistical factors with multiple stakeholders in large-scale construction projects — including contractors, subcontractors and suppliers — it can be a demanding and time-consuming job. Delays and increased costs also arise due to material damage or loss. Furthermore, changes to a project scope or schedule will likely impact the delivery of materials, placing
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additional pressure on merchants to ensure that materials are available when required. Access and site storage may be limited too, with deliveries potentially needing to be coordinated around the availability of the required storage space. Achieving all this involves controlling the flow of delivery vehicles and ensuring that materials are unloaded, stored and handled in a safe and timely manner. Software solutions An answer to this multi-faceted problem for builders’ merchants can be found within delivery scheduling and route optimisation
software. For instance, modern and proven route optimisation software allows merchants to analyse real-time traffic data and calculate the shortest, fastest or most economical routes, helping to reduce delivery times, miles driven, fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. The software will also plan routes that avoid hazardous areas or roads with low bridges, improving the safety of drivers and reducing the risk of incidents and delays. Real-time updates and alerts also improve communication between planners, drivers, dispatchers and site managers. For instance, automated notifications will help coordinate deliveries with multiple stakeholders, Adobe Stock #222026975
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