This article is part of a series where we at Myloc Construction visit landmark construction projects we are involved in. At the same time, we want to highlight interesting and innovative projects within the construction industry.
One of Norway’s largest construction projects is currently underway in Stavanger. A university hospital is being built with a total of 125,000 m2 BTA (gross area).
Today there are between 80 and 100 entrepreneurs involved in the construction of the hospital complex, an number that is expected to rise further before the work is complete.
Vidar Kvilhaugsvik at Helse-Stavanger, project logistics lead, describes the project and the logistical solution:
Myloc is absolutely necessary to us for the automation of a large part of our processes, and in managing the logistics and deliveries at the site. The contractors use Myloc in order to be able to plan the deliveries.
There are a lot of off-loading zones, and Myloc is used to see the occupancy rates. The zones are set up with options for bookings. In such a large project the construction site has been divided into two separate projects in the system. To us it has been important to have a degree of flexibility in the system and that the contractors have access to place orders themselves. Our subcontractors have been able to give feedback on how to utilize the system, and it is much easier to distinguish between the different off-loading zones.
Important with common rules, but with autonomy among the contractors
To me Myloc is the tool that helps me see the occupancy across all of the logistics for the construction project. All of the contractors are autonomous in ther own logistical operations, and deal with issues and ongoing incidents themselves.
In order for the project’s construction logistics to work vi need a helicopter perspective, my role is not to interfere in every incident. It wouldn’t be possible to micro manage when it comes to a project like this one. To us Myloc Construction gives us a convenient way of keeping on top of what’s going on, and an overview. It also means that the contractors can communicate with their suppliers (for example via delivery plans), without the need for involvement from us at Helse Stavanger.
In addition to communication within the project through the Myloc system system we also have a weekly logistics meeting. When a new contractor is contracted they get immediate access to Myloc Construction. In collaboration with Myloc we then hold training sessions where we go over work procedures and routines for the project’s construction logistics. Going forward there will be less and less space at the project site and that makes it event more important that all the contractors communicates their needs and planning with other actors.
What has been the biggest challenge in the project so far?
I haven’t been here long, I’ve been a part of the project since the end of October. On my part it has worked very well, with no major problem areas.
It has been easy getting into the job, but the more crowded the construction site gets, the more challenging it becomes. Of course we’ve noticed peaks when we’ve had more deliveries coming in. One of those instances is when a new faze gets started on the site. For example when the interior work begins.
There is of course a big difference between contractors who have been involved in the project for a while and new contractors who have joined later. It’s important for us to describe why and how to proceed when a contractor wants to bring material onto the site. They have to learn how we communicate within the project. We have had some teething problems there, but it is going better and better working and solving problems together. Collaboration has been a significant part of this project. But in short, I would say that you benefit a lot from having worked in a similar environment and routines before.
The greatest challenge has been the size of the project. We’ve had many individual smaller projects within the site, further emphasizing the significance of communication and control over material supply chains and transports.
