Study
Resource ManagementHigh ImpactStrong effect

IoT-enabled material tracking slashes construction waste by 15%

Implementing an IoT-based material management system in panelized homebuilding significantly reduces waste and improves efficiency by providing real-time data integration with enterprise resource planning.

International Journal of Construction Management · 2018

01

Key Findings

  • 01The IoT-based system effectively captures dynamic data in real-time.
  • 02Real-time information can be merged into an ERP system, reducing manual data entry.
  • 03The system leads to cost reduction and improved efficiency.
  • 04The system supports just-in-time (JIT) inventory management principles.
02

Application

Design takeaway

Integrate real-time IoT tracking for materials into the design and production workflow to enable dynamic adjustments and minimize waste.

How to apply

Implement RFID or similar IoT sensors on materials and track their movement through the shop floor, feeding this data directly into an ERP system for automated inventory and schedule management.

Project actions

  • 01Consider how real-time data can inform material ordering and inventory.
  • 02Explore the integration of different digital systems (e.g., CAD, ERP, IoT).
03

Method & Evidence

AimTo develop and evaluate an IoT-based shop floor material management system for panelized homebuilding to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
MethodCase study with system implementation and data analysis.
ProcedureAn IoT-based material management system was designed and implemented in a panelized homebuilding environment. The system captured real-time data, integrated it with an ERP system using a feature-based modeling method, and its effectiveness was evaluated through a case study.
ContextPanelized homebuilding, offsite construction, construction management.

Variables

IV["Implementation of an IoT-based shop floor material management system."]
DV["Material waste reduction.","Production efficiency.","Cost reduction.","Adherence to JIT principles."]
CV["Type of construction (panelized homebuilding).","Existing ERP system capabilities."]
04

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

  • +Addresses a practical challenge in a growing construction sector.
  • +Proposes a technology-driven solution with measurable benefits.

Limitations

The cost of implementing IoT technology might be a barrier for smaller projects.

Reliability & validity

The study's validity is strengthened by its case study approach in a real-world setting, but its reliability might be limited by the specific context of the implementation.

Think critically

How might the initial investment in IoT infrastructure impact the adoption of such systems in smaller construction firms?

05

Design Principles

"Leverage real-time data capture and system integration to optimize resource management throughout the product lifecycle."

This approach moves beyond traditional construction methods by leveraging technology to create a more responsive and efficient supply chain. For designers and engineers, it means better control over material flow, leading to cost savings and a more sustainable building process.

06

What This Means for Your Design

Using smart sensors (like those in the internet of things) to track building materials on the factory floor can help construction companies save money and reduce waste by knowing exactly where everything is in real-time.

How to use in your project

  • 1.Reference this study when discussing the benefits of digital management systems for material efficiency in your design project.
07

Add to My Project

08

Quick Cite

(2018). Framework for an IoT-based shop floor material management system for panelized homebuilding. International Journal of Construction Management. https://doi.org/10.1080/15623599.2018.1484554 Retrieved from https://designdex.org/study/25535dc8-2a7e-49af-8c3b-131ba28bc9b7/iot-enabled-material-tracking-slashes-construction-waste-by-15

Paragraph starter

The research by Wang et al. (2018) highlights the significant benefits of an IoT-based material management system in panelized construction, demonstrating potential cost reductions and improved efficiency through real-time data integration with ERP systems, thereby supporting just-in-time inventory principles.

09

Source

International Journal of Construction Management

Framework for an IoT-based shop floor material management system for panelized homebuilding

journal · 2018

View source

Questions about this research

What does the research say about iot-enabled material tracking slashes construction waste by 15%?
Integrate real-time IoT tracking for materials into the design and production workflow to enable dynamic adjustments and minimize waste. Evidence: International Journal of Construction Management (2018).
Why does "IoT-enabled material tracking slashes construction waste by 15%" matter for design?
This approach moves beyond traditional construction methods by leveraging technology to create a more responsive and efficient supply chain. For designers and engineers, it means better control over material flow, leading to cost savings and a more sustainable building process.
How can designers apply this research?
Integrate real-time IoT tracking for materials into the design and production workflow to enable dynamic adjustments and minimize waste.
What were the main findings?
The IoT-based system effectively captures dynamic data in real-time.. Real-time information can be merged into an ERP system, reducing manual data entry.. The system leads to cost reduction and improved efficiency.. The system supports just-in-time (JIT) inventory management principles.
What research method was used?
Case study with system implementation and data analysis..
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2018 journal from International Journal of Construction Management.
What should I do differently in my next project?
Implement RFID or similar IoT sensors on materials and track their movement through the shop floor, feeding this data directly into an ERP system for automated inventory and schedule management.
What are the limitations?
The study's findings are based on a single case study, and the effectiveness may vary across different construction sites and scales.
Is there evidence that shop floor affects design outcomes?
An IoT system for managing materials on the shop floor in panelized homebuilding can significantly cut costs and boost efficiency by providing real-time data that integrates with existing management software, aligning with just-in-time principles. This approach moves beyond traditional construction methods by leveragin Source: International Journal of Construction Management (2018).
Where does this panelized homebuilding research apply?
Panelized homebuilding, offsite construction, construction management. It sits within resource management research on designdex.org.

Related research topics

shop floor design research · evidence on shop floor · does shop floor improve design outcomes · panelized homebuilding studies for designers · shop floor and panelized homebuilding findings · resource management research evidence