In any project, maintaining Construction Productivity is the main goal. Many factors can decrease the level of productivity such as undefined goals, underpaid labor, etc.
In the United States alone, the annual spending on Construction is around $1.2 billion. On the other hand, according to the McKinsey Global Institute of Construction, if productivity levels during construction are maintained, then it is predicted that the spending may go up to $1.6 trillion globally. However, studies have shown that the construction industry is facing a problem of decreasing productivity trends. This can be because of various reasons, which will be discussed at a later stage in this article.
Going on further, many things can happen on a job site that can lead to low Construction Productivity. A slight change can create an imbalance in the maintained productivity rates and can cause costs to exceed. Research shows that nearly 96% of mega projects bear cost overruns of 30% or maybe more where a change happens and there is not any proper planning. Most of the time the primary reason is insufficient levels of productivity.
How to Measure Productivity?
Productivity in construction is measurable to an extent. It can be done by determining how much output you are getting from per unit of input. The input consists of resources such as capital investments, labor, materials, and equipment. However improper planning and strategizing, ineffective distribution of resources, not accounting for risks or uncertain circumstances, unsecured work environment and not scheduling tasks adequately are some of the reasons which deteriorate productivity in any scale of a construction project.
How to Overcome Inproductivity?
Certain tips or pointers can help to Improve Construction Productivity and they are mentioned as follows:
1) Invest in Construction Planning and Strategize Efficiently
The most imperative stage in any construction project is planning. In this stage, a team of experts will decide what they will be doing and how will they do it. Once they have decided on that, they will create well-structured strategies. Such as timely availability of materials at the site and preventing any unnecessary delays. Therefore, if carefully planned strategies are in place then it can avoid or tackle any last-minute change or hiccups.
While you are planning for a project it’s vital to manage future expenses by creating a budget. Construction Cost Estimating Services provided by Bidding Estimate, develop a realistic and accurate budget. They analyze every cost-affecting factor (material, labor, equipment, overheads) and come up with a precise budget. So, having a budget can increase productivity and improve the allocation of resources.
2) Be Technology Oriented
The next tip to increase productivity levels after effective planning is the use of technology. By using vertical construction software, time can be saved and productivity is automatically increased. Based on research, it can be elevated up to 25%. That is why it has now become a necessity to invest and adapt to construction technological software. By utilizing this software, firms can track the progress in an instant. This software allows experts to document everything such as blueprints, drawings, change orders, or daily reports all in one centralized location saving precious time.
A competent Estimating Firm also uses estimating software such as PlanSwift, Bluebeam, On Screen Takeoff, Trimble, McCormick Systems, RS Means, RFMS, ConEst, and STACK. These innovative software help to create an accurate budget in a short period. Not to mention that they are more accurate than manual methods of cost calculation.
3) Set Realistic Objectives
Setting a realistic and achievable objective is maybe one of the most critical aspects to attain desired productivity. Proper planning and using the right tools will aid you in setting realistic goals. It is paramount that you have evaluated all the data and know what you require in terms of budgeting and resources. This will make sure that the objectives you have set can be met and achieved proficiently. On the other hand, even a single unrealistic goal can cause a major delay for the whole construction project thus disrupting the productivity levels. That is why set goals that are realistic and measurable.
4) Make the Site Secure
All of the above will be pointless if the construction site is not safe. Therefore, secure the site as safety is before anything. Certainly, when it comes to safety, there is always room for improvement. Also, if you want your performance levels to be high then ensuring the safety of the labor is essential.
A study done by OSHA, the survey showed that one in every ten workers sustains an injury due to insufficient safety measures. That is why it is important to place adequate safety measures and provide all the necessary safety tools and kits to the workers.
5) Ample Workforce Training
Labor is the main crux if you want to maintain a certain level of productivity in a project. Thus, there must be relevant training programs to elevate their skills.
For large-scale construction projects, having an inadequate amount of labor can slow down the construction process. Even low-skilled labor can decrease productivity. So it is essential to have a large enough workforce.
Closing Remarks
The construction industry is highly competitive. To make sure that you have a competitive edge and at the same time profitable, one must be attentive to the issues in construction. Low productivity is the main cause of time delays and cost overruns. It is essential to take steps to improve the workflow and streamline your projects. In addition to that, implementing the right methodologies which have been discussed in detail in this article will ensure that Construction Productivity is at the highest in each of your projects.
