Hands Off
by Brooke Smith | 15 May 2024 7:00 am
Material handling rolls off the tongue as a generic term that some in the industry give little thought to when planning their erection projects. Unfortunately, there is an adverse cost impact on their profitability when not using the latest in material handling technology. What is worse is the lingering effect on employee morale when there are safer, easier methods to get the job done. When the adage “This is how we’ve always done it” creeps in, that gets in the way of deploying a better solution.
In the fast-paced world of metal building assembly, efficient material handling is crucial for project success. However, innovation in reliable material handling equipment has been slow to progress, as many manufacturers have a hands-off approach with jobsite innovation by having a philosophy that assembly of their products is the “means and methods of the erector.” This leaves a hole in the supply chain of a more efficient solution. Erectors have long grappled with challenges that hinder productivity and profitability. Issues such as wasted hours and unexpected site constraints reduce efficiency for erectors, which can significantly impact project timelines and their bottom line. This not only makes estimating inaccurate but also strains resources and affects overall project quality by rushing the later aspects of the project to get hours back in budget.
Material handling inefficiencies ripple through procurement, scheduling, safety, and quality control, posing significant challenges for metal building erectors. This leads to setbacks and an increased cost overall. No erector wants to carry materials any further than they must; it is tiresome and non-stop repetitive, and it is a productivity killer. It is the same with installing wall panels. No erector wants to lift panels with a rope one at a time while installing wall systems. Unfortunately, for several decades, it has just been the only option available on the jobsite.
For years, there was a better, simpler way to do the work that maximized time in the field and allowed more to be accomplished with less effort. However, it was not immediately recognized that “simpler” in the field translates to “lower cost” and a stronger bottom line for the business overall. There is a cost impact of inefficient access, which ultimately led to the development of viable solutions that either reduce or eliminate these non-value-added productivity killers, and lead to consistent production, even on difficult projects with limited access. Simply put, if contractors can load roof material within 6 m (20 ft) of the leading edge, they are in the green zone, where the production is highest and consistent, no matter the distance to the loading zone.
One manufacturer’s material transfer system redefines material handling for large roofing projects; this system eliminates the non-value-added labor of moving material by hand. For contractors looking to maximize production without adding labor cost, this system is designed for just that. This brings the benefit of modular construction to the jobsite as a systematic process. This transfer system allows for walls or roofs to be constructed safely at ground level, which not only reduces the number of labor hours worked but also eliminates a significant amount of exposure to leading edge falls.
Embracing innovative solutions is essential for erectors looking to meet today’s evolving demands of constructing faster, by deploying safer means and methods. Excellence in material handling ensures the industry moves forward with improved efficiency and productivity, which drives both employee and client satisfaction. Through efficient methods of material handling, metal building contractors can navigate challenges effectively, setting a new standard for excellence for their field operations.
Uciel Salgado is a results-oriented professional who prioritizes people and solutions. With a background in team building, project management, and systems development, his philosophy is encapsulated by the phrase “Challenges present opportunities
for discovery.”
Jared Bradford is a visionary inventor and developer of multiple patented solutions for steel and sheet metal installation. With a strong background as an experienced project manager/estimator, he has a demonstrated history of working on successful design-build teams.
Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/articles/features/hands-off/