March 17, 2010
Early Fabricator Involvement is Still The Way Ahead
BAR 17.3.2010
EARLY FABRICATOR INVOLVEMENT IS STILL THE WAY AHEAD
Over the last few years early project involvement by members of the supply chain has increased significantly. Despite the challenges of the recession and the pressures on the bottom line, the value that such collaborative working and partnerships provide should continue to be recognised believes Graham Mackenzie, Chairman of the British Association of Reinforcement (BAR).
In addition to their expertise and experiences, many of the fabricator members of BAR offer a wide range of added-value services. These include computer-aided design services for reinforcement detailing and 3D modelling plus online management of reinforcement order and delivery. Their ongoing development of new products, such as prefabricated pile cages and roll mats, and continued service enhancement has resulted in rebar no long being seen as just a basic commodity but as a product that can add value to a construction project. For example, prefabrication offers all the quality benefits of off-site production together with reduced on site labour, faster programme times and less waste. 3D computer modelling of reinforcement offers more efficient detailing and cost economies.
However, if the potential of this added value is to be realised then the fabricator should be involved with a project sooner rather than later. Only through the early involvement can his expertise and experience be fully utilised for an optimum reinforcement solution.
Such involvement offers a wide range of benefits that include increased opportunity for innovation, shortened delivery times and fewer variations during construction. However, it does demand a co-operative working relationship, one which is based on mutual trust and collaboration rather than brinkmanship and trying to cut margins to the bone.
Such a collaborative approach may seem rather too cosy in today’s economic environment. It could be seen to take the edge off competitive pricing, take too much time of the senior staff in the early project stages and result in additional costs because of the examination of a range of ‘what if’ scenarios between the designer and fabricator. For the fabricator, there is also the worry that his ideas and recommendations may be taken on board but that the tender is then awarded to a cheaper supplier.
However, the benefits of early involvement are just as valid in the bad times as they are in the good. If not even more so, as early involvement provides better value for money. Encouraging equity of relationship and full input from all members of the supply chain and project team from an early stage will result in a better overall team approach and commitment to deliver more than just a construction product.
