Automation of the Requisition Process in Material Supply Chain of Construction Firms

Abstract

Construction materials play a crucial role in the project delivery process. However, the process of requisition for the materials on construction site if not handled appropriately can adversely affect the performance of quality, cost, and time. Therefore, the study was aimed at developing an automated materials requisition system which will make the supply chain on construction sites seamless and more effective. A use case diagram and an activity block diagram helped to understand the users and functionalities of the material requisition platform. In addition, using different user interface and a database system including a programming language to connect them, the study developed an automated Web-based material requisition system for construction firms using the model view controller (MVC) model. The MVC model comprised of using MySQL, HTML, and PHP, respectively, in the design. The automated materials requisition system was tested by sending material requisition through the supply chain of a construction firm. Result of the automated system was presented via screenshots of the Web-based platform. In conclusion, any construction firm can register on the platform and make use of the automated materials requisition system in order to maximize the productivity and optimize the use of ICT in their materials' supply chain process.

Development and Application of an Integrated Management System for Off-Site Construction Projects

“…Because each phase of OSC project execution-production, transportation, and installation-is critical for project success [27], the literature has suggested new managerial methods. Researchers have focused on optimization theory with respect to the production phase occurring at off-site factories that emulate the manufacturing environment.…”

“…Furthermore, Abdula and Usman [30] identified factors impeding the lean supply chain flow of all resources through the six-sigma method, and Ismail [31] applied ANN and a genetic algorithm to monitor and manage workflows. Several studies identified that integrated management is of paramount importance in OSC projects; each phase is closely linked like a chain [27], focusing on integrated management to fill and bridge the gaps between the project phases. Lee and Lee [18] proposed a digital twin framework for managing schedules during entire processes.…”