Supply Chain Management in Construction Projects
Summary
Supply chain management (SCM) in construction projects has evolved from a transactional, linear flow of materials and information to a strategic, integrated approach that emphasises collaboration, transparency and sustainability across multiple stakeholders. Traditionally, procurement and logistics were managed in isolation by contractors, but mounting pressures from globalisation, cost control, regulatory frameworks and environmental imperatives have driven the adoption of more holistic models. Modern approaches integrate design, procurement, fabrication, transport and site operations into a coordinated network, leveraging digital platforms, just-in-time deliveries and advanced analytics. Collaborative delivery methods such as alliancing and integrated project delivery align the interests of clients, designers, contractors and suppliers through shared risks and rewards, fostering trust and collective problem-solving. Logistics hubs, prefabrication and modularisation are increasingly deployed to streamline site operations and reduce waste, while sustainability targets and carbon-reduction mandates are shaping procurement criteria and material selection. These developments underscore the global significance of SCM in delivering infrastructure projects on time, within budget and with reduced environmental impact.
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Supply Chain Management in Construction Projects publication trend
The graph below shows the total number of articles in supply chain management in construction projects across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).
Technical terms
Supply Chain Management (SCM): The end-to-end coordination of materials, information and finances across all stakeholders involved in a project, aimed at optimising efficiency, cost and quality.
Programme Alliance: A collaborative delivery model where clients and multiple contractors enter into a single integrated agreement sharing risks, rewards and governance to deliver a group of related projects.
Third-Party Logistics (TPL): The outsourcing of logistics functions such as transportation, warehousing and distribution to specialised external providers within a construction project.
Construction Logistics System (CLS): A structured framework encompassing the planning, execution and control of material flows, storage and site-interface operations tailored to construction environments.
References
- Generating value in program alliances: the value of dialogue in large-scale infrastructure projects. Production Planning & Control (2023).
- Characterizing third-party logistics setups in the context of construction. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management (2021).
- Environmental impact of construction transport and the effects of building certification schemes. Resources Conservation and Recycling (2021).
- Collaborative project delivery methods: a scoping review. Journal of Civil Engineering and Management (2020).
- Designing and implementing procurement requirements for carbon reduction in infrastructure construction – international overview and experiences. Journal of Environmental Planning and Management (2020).
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