Part of navigating projects in construction is anticipating challenges, specifically with the supply chain. While you cannot control everything when it comes to project schedules and budgets, you can prepare for some common challenges. From leveraging technology and diversifying your suppliers to partnering with a design-build team, these are strategies to help overcome common supply chain challenges in construction that you may face.

Common Supply Chain Challenges

If you know what to expect ahead of time, it helps to be able to mitigate some issues before they even become issues. When working in construction, knowing some common supply chain challenges before beginning can help you plan to avoid them throughout the duration of the project. Avoiding all issues isn’t necessarily obtainable but if you’re at least prepared, you can plan for ways to make it easier.

Material shortages and delays are inevitable. In a perfect world, stock is always great and timelines are always considered. If you anticipate delays or shortages, you can effectively plan to ensure the impact on project completion is minimal. Maybe your materials are delayed in shipping or maybe there is a shortage in the steel or lumber you’re needing. Planning for the “what if” early in the project can help. Anticipating potential delays or shortages allows you to have a plan in place to progress without getting off track.

Not only is there a potential for material shortages but there is also the chance you’ll face labor shortages. Whether it is a manufacturing labor shortage or a transportation labor shortage, this could impact delivery timelines. It never hurts to allow extra time within the project schedule to accommodate potential delays, within reason. 

While we all do our best to avoid disruptions, especially when you’re confined to a budget and project timeline, there are always unforeseen disruptions. Depending on the type of project you’re working on, the weather can cause major delays. On top of that, you might face global supply chain delays because of geopolitical events or economic shifts. Because the supply chain, especially in construction, has so many moving parts, anticipating delays is part of the process. 

Strategies to Overcome Supply Chain Challenges

While supply chain challenges aren’t completely avoidable, there are multiple strategies to overcome those challenges. There are plenty of tools, thanks to technology, that can help with supply chain management. You can also expand your supplier network and collaborate with design-build teams to help streamline the process. 

Leveraging technology, like Procore, can help with supply chain management. Streamlining order tracking and scheduling not only saves time but it will also save you money. You already work hard to remain on budget with your projects so having a tool that can contribute to that effort will likely prove to be a positive investment. 

Diversifying suppliers helps expand your network and options. While you may have your trusted vendors, it’s wise to have additional options in the event something falls through. 

Partnering with a design-build team helps streamline your process and makes navigating supply chain challenges easier. Integrated project delivery (IDP) combines the people and systems needed to make construction projects run smoothly. When you’re combining these things, you help foster early collaboration helping avoid bottlenecks in the project. 

Staying on Schedule: Communication is Key

There is an importance in being proactive, versus reactive, with supply chain challenges in construction. Every project, large or small, will require transparent communication with clients, subcontractors, and vendors. Most of the time, if an issue is properly communicated, it isn’t nearly as destructive as it could be when no communication is present. Establishing contingency plans helps hold everyone on the project accountable while showing the client your level of seriousness in completing their project in a timely manner. Contingency plans can also keep others involved in the job on track because they know what will happen if things fall behind schedule. 

Overcoming Supply Chain Challenges (Case Study)

No matter how prepared you are, something can always come up and cause delays. When the Tonn and Blank team was working on the Specialty Physicians of Illinois – Family Medicine and Walk-In Clinic, amid planning and preparing, they still faced supply chain issues along with weather conditions. Our Off-Site Construction team was able to proactively shift things to still keep the project on track. While still maintaining a high standard of quality and safety, the Tonn and Blank team was still able to complete the project despite the delays.

Be Equipped to Handle Supply Chain Challenges

As we’ve discussed, you’re going to face supply challenges in construction. It is mostly unavoidable, especially with larger projects requiring collaboration between more people. The best thing is for you to be aware of those challenges and feel equipped to appropriately handle them. Overall, constant communication will keep everyone in the loop on progress and delays. 

Tonn and Blank Construction can offer expert guidance in managing these supply chain challenges and risks. Our team will help deliver on-time, high-quality projects with the experience to anticipate and navigate challenges with ease. Reach out to schedule a time to connect about your project goals with the Tonn and Blank team.