Tips For First-Time Construction Site Managers
Posted on: 16 April 2019
If you have recently taken over the management of a new construction site for the first time, you need to make sure that you have a solid understanding of materials management. Any time you deal with a construction project, especially a large one, you will need to deal with the management of a lot of incoming construction materials. Here are some things you need to put in place to help you manage this process.
Establish a Procurement Process
The first step is to establish a solid, secure procurement process. You need to know that your purchase decisions are closely managed. Identify a procurement manager who can identify and confirm exactly what materials are necessary for the project. They will work with your material specialist to ensure that each material order fits the scope of the project and its budget.
Once confirmed with the materials manager, it moves to your order specialist, who will place the order with the supplier of choice according to your contracts. He or she will validate that the order fits your budget and is placed in the proper quantity.
Implement a Verification Procedure
Once the order has been placed, the next step is to be sure that what arrives onsite matches that order before it is accepted onto the premises. As soon as a delivery is accepted, you have to negotiate returns and deal with far more complex issues if the order is inaccurate. Make sure that your order-verification specialist double-checks all materials for quality, specific dimensions, and quantity. Once it is confirmed, then it can be accepted for delivery.
Determine a Material Handling Path
The final step in accepting any kind of material deliveries on your construction site is ensuring that every delivery that is accepted on your property has a place to be stored in. Make sure your inventory is properly and adequately rotated so that the materials that came in first are the ones that are used first.
Establish a secure holding area for all of your inventory. The last thing you need is someone breaching your fence after hours and stealing anything you've ordered. In fact, you need that secure storage to protect your inventory even from those working on your site. There's always a risk of theft, whether it's from inside or outside your staff.
Understanding the material handling process is important for your construction site. You need to consider these steps to establish your company's process and keep your project flowing. If you have any questions, contact your construction material supplier.
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