Construction planning is an essential part of construction management. Together with construction site logistics, it underpins any successful construction project, regardless of scope, size, financial value, or purpose. However, while construction planning and logistics are closely related concepts, they are also different. As construction management and consulting experts from VERTEX clarify, every phase of a construction project requires meticulous planning to identify all stages and tasks and choose the most effective approaches and methods to complete them.
Effective construction planning is essential for the successful completion of a construction project. A well-developed plan can help ensure that the project stays on track and within budget while reducing the potential for delays and cost overruns. Logistics, on the other hand, refers to the process of managing the movement of materials, equipment, and personnel to and from a construction site. The construction plan determines the required resources at each stage of the project.
What is construction planning?
Simply put, construction planning is the process of developing a detailed plan for a construction project. The plan aims to ensure that the project will be completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards while minimizing risks and maximizing the efficient use of resources.
Contractors and construction managers typically hire planners to carefully review project requirements, specifications, design, regulations, or other requirements. The planner can then include all the specifics and allocate the required resources according to the timeline and budget.
The plan usually establishes certain milestones and deadlines for key project deliverables and a detailed breakdown of the resources required to complete each stage. It can also include a risk management plan, which identifies potential risks and prepares strategies for preventing or mitigating them.
The basics of construction planning include:
- Project scope. Identifying the scope of work and the goals of the project.
- Project objectives. Developing specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART) objectives.
- Budget. Setting a budget for the project and including all involved expenses, like materials, labor, equipment, permits, and contingencies.
- Timeline. The project’s timeline includes all the key milestones and deadlines, like start and end dates for each stage. It also determines delivery dates for materials and equipment.
- Risk management. Identifying potential risks and developing a risk management plan to prevent or mitigate them.
- Resource management. Establishing what resources are required to complete the project. This includes labor, materials, and equipment.
- Communication plan. Keeping stakeholders informed about the progress and any potential changes or issues that might arise.
- Quality control. The quality control plan ensures the project is completed according to the required quality standards.
- Permits and approvals. Finding out what permits and approvals are necessary and obtaining them before the construction begins.
- Site logistics. Planning construction site logistics, including access to the site, storage options for equipment and materials, and waste management.
Depending on a specific project’s characteristics, size, and complexity, many more elements could be included.
What are the elements of logistics in construction?
Effective management of logistics elements is essential for successfully completing any construction project, regardless of its type, size, or complexity. Logistics aims to ensure that the necessary materials and resources will be available when needed and to help minimize any potential delays and disruptions caused by material or equipment shortages. Logistics planning includes determining transportation routes, scheduling deliveries, and coordinating with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure the necessary materials and equipment are available on-site when needed.
The main logistic elements of every construction project typically include:
- Transportation. Detailed planning and coordination of the movement of materials, equipment, and personnel to and from the construction site. It also involves choosing the most efficient modes of transportation, determining the best routes, and scheduling deliveries to minimize delays. This also includes working with cities to help minimize disruption of public traffic during construction.
- Inventory management. Regularly monitor material levels and ensure that suitable materials are available on-site when needed. It’s also important to keep track of inventory levels to prevent overstocking and understocking.
- Procurement. This includes finding reliable suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing the supply chain to deliver materials on time and satisfy the required quality standards.
- Storage. Keeping track of on-site storage facilities, ensuring that materials are stored safely and that there’s enough space to accommodate all the necessary materials and equipment.
- Material handling. Handling involves the transfer of materials and equipment within the construction site. It also includes loading and unloading trucks and moving materials to and from storage areas.
- Personnel management is the coordination of workers and subcontractors. It also includes background checks regarding their skills and training and keeping track of their performance, ensuring they work efficiently and safely.
