Materials Procurement in Construction

Headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, Telligent Masonry is a leading provider of masonry services including estimating, preconstruction, and project management. With regard to project management, Telligent Masonry ensures projects remain on schedule and on budget by tracking labor and materials daily.

Efficient procurement of materials is central to minimizing construction costs. If project managers procure materials too early, they tie up capital in inventory, raise storage costs, and suffer interest charges on the excess inventory. On the other hand, if they order materials too late, they delay construction, reduce workers’ productivity, and incur higher fees for hauling the materials. Labor costs may rise, too.

Ideally, project managers should discuss procurement during the initial planning and scheduling phases of construction to streamline the process. They should also allow sufficient time for procurement and delivery of materials in their planning. Bulk and standard construction materials like soil and pipes can be bought in appropriate quantities and stockpiled. Materials that need pre-fabrication like steel beams and columns are harder to schedule, since they have to be fabricated at a shop before delivery. Open communication with fabricators can improve schedule synergies.

A great way to stay on top of materials procurement while a project is ongoing is to leverage computer-based systems. These systems monitor production schedules and material utilization rates, then evaluate inventory records to identify the materials in short supply that need to be reordered. With this system, project managers know what should be procured, when it should come in, and at what quantity.