However, there is a fundamental challenge hindering newcomers to DfMA and MMC – understanding what these terms actually mean.. Confusion is a barrier to change: talking about Modern Methods of Construction.
But it’s mainly because a digital marketplace for construction would be another massive leap forward..In this article I will look at the reasons for a digital marketplace for construction, the benefits of one and the infrastructure that would facilitate one.. What is a 'digital marketplace' and why would we want one for construction?.
In the simplest terms, I’m talking about e-commerce: buying and selling online.I’ll develop this much further below, but a digital marketplace for construction would allow clients to publish their requirements for standard components or repeatable designs, for example, and allow a wide range of suppliers to bid to supply them..This is obviously predicated on consistency of demand; when every construction project is bespoke, it’s impossible for manufacturers (other than material suppliers who make highly standardised, commoditised products like rebar) to develop products that are likely to be used repeatedly.
But consistency of demand will come with other forms of progress, like widespread adoption of construction Platforms.We will come back to this as well..
When achieved, this will benefit construction in a range of ways.. Firstly: it would provide greater market transparency and diversify the supply chain, meaning that companies of all sizes could engage with large-scale programmes, in the private and public sectors.. Secondly: late payment (particularly between contractors and their supply chains) has been a well-recognised problem in construction for a few decades.
It means smaller suppliers, to whom cashflow is critical, operate in a state of uncertainty and ‘financial distress’.Kätelhön, Arne, et al,.
Gabrielli, Paolo, et al,., p7043.. For further reading, see also:.
Schlögl, Robert, et al,.Novel Carbon Capture and utilisation technologies: research and climate aspects.. Science Advice for Policy by European Academies (SAPEA), Evidence Review Report No.