By: Guillermo Salazar • 25 March 2024

Are You Building the Future?

The ever present labor shortage & the accelerating demand for housing is hurting both builders and suppliers. At the same time the landscape of home building is undergoing a dramatic shift, with automation and supplier collaboration at the forefront of this transformation. Operations leaders in this dynamic industry, are in a unique position to harness these advancements, not only to streamline operations and reduce costs but also to deliver unparalleled quality.

Understanding the Impact of Labor Costs

Labor costs consume a significant portion of home building budgets, influenced by fluctuating markets and the availability of skilled labor. Strategic planning is essential to navigate these challenges effectively, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. In era

Strategic Planning and Efficient Project Management

The Power of Early PlanningThe key to mitigating labor costs begins in the early stages of planning and design. By adopting lean methodologies, you can streamline processes, minimize waste, and avoid costly reworks. This proactive approach not only saves time but also ensures that resources are used efficiently.Embracing Technology and AutomationThe integration of advanced project management tools and automation technologies can revolutionize the way we approach home building. From software that automates scheduling and budgeting to robotics that handle on-site tasks, these innovations reduce the need for manual labor and enhance precision.

Advancing with Process Automation

From Design to Delivery: The Role of BIM and AutomationBuilding Information Modeling (BIM) and automated takeoff software can dramatically improve the pre-construction phase, offering a virtual blueprint to identify potential issues before they arise. Additionally, robotics and drones are redefining on-site work, from automated bricklaying to aerial surveying, streamlining processes, and cutting labor costs & schedule vulnerability. .Smart Management with IoTThe Internet of Things (IoT) offers a new dimension to project management. By equipping sites with sensors, we can obtain real-time data on progress, environmental conditions, and equipment use, optimizing labor deployment and reducing downtime. We’ve seen this with onsite cameras for PPE detection, IoT for energy consumption, and interactive designs.

Skilled Labor: The Foundation of Quality

Investing in skilled labor is non-negotiable. Skilled workers complete tasks more efficiently and with fewer errors, leading to significant savings on labor costs. Moreover, continuous training ensures that your workforce remains at the cutting edge, ready to implement the latest construction techniques and technologies. Find ways to cut out non-productive time like dead end trips and low value work for senior resources.Automating Quality Management to lower defectsIn the quest to reduce labor costs without compromising quality, automating quality management processes plays a pivotal role. By leveraging technology, home builders can ensure that every project meets the highest standards of quality from start to finish. Find ways to eliminate the ‘clipboard’ trap, data stuck on clipboard costs you money & customers. Automate data entry, data refining & next steps.Implementing Automated Quality Checks & Proof of WorkAdvanced technologies, such as drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, can perform detailed inspections of hard-to-reach areas, identifying potential issues that require attention. We heard a multi-family builder uses drones to validate building envelopes. Similarly, AI-powered software can analyze images and data from the construction site in real time, comparing them against project specifications to ensure adherence to quality standards.Continuous Monitoring for Consistent QualityThe integration of IoT devices across the construction site allows for continuous monitoring of critical parameters, such as structural integrity, humidity levels, and material conditions. This real-time data collection not only facilitates immediate corrective actions but also contributes to a comprehensive quality management system that preemptively addresses potential issues.

Enhancing the Post-Handover Experience

The relationship between home builders and homeowners doesn't end at handover. A truly innovative approach extends into the post-handover phase, ensuring customer satisfaction and loyalty.Digital Homeowner ManualsReplace traditional paper-based homeowner manuals with digital versions that offer interactive guides, maintenance schedules, and direct links to customer support. These digital manuals can be updated in real time and provide a platform for homeowners to easily access information about their home.Smart Home IntegrationEncourage and facilitate the integration of smart home technologies that can improve the living experience for homeowners. Offering packages or partnerships with technology providers can add value, making homes not only more efficient but also enhancing their appeal to tech-savvy buyers.Automated Customer Feedback LoopsImplement automated systems to gather customer feedback post-handover. This feedback is invaluable for identifying areas for improvement and fostering positive relationships with homeowners. Automated surveys, coupled with analytics tools, can help builders quickly address concerns and adapt practices for future projects.Proactive Maintenance AlertsFor homes equipped with smart technologies, setting up proactive maintenance alerts for homeowners can significantly enhance their experience. By analyzing data from home systems, these alerts can notify homeowners of upcoming maintenance needs, potentially preventing costly repairs and ensuring the longevity of their home.Data Analysis for Actionable Insights: Deploy AI and machine learning tools to analyze the collected data, identifying patterns, bottlenecks, and opportunities for improvement. This analysis can highlight areas where processes can be streamlined, where additional training may be necessary, or where materials and designs can be optimized for better efficiency and satisfaction.Automated Follow-Up Processes: Based on the insights gained, set up automated systems to initiate follow-up actions. This could range from scheduling additional training sessions for workers, adjusting inventory levels based on usage patterns, to reaching out to homeowners for warranty service before issues arise.

The Power of Supplier Collaboration

Beyond Transactions: Building Strategic PartnershipsThe relationship with suppliers should go beyond mere transactions. By forming strategic partnerships, we can co-develop efficiency initiatives, negotiate volume agreements, and ensure just-in-time delivery, minimizing storage and handling costs.Technology-Enhanced CollaborationUtilizing technology platforms for supplier collaboration ensures that everyone is on the same page, from material specifications to delivery schedules. This real-time communication streamlines operations and prevents costly delays. A shared version of the truth has an exponential impact on the partnership profit.

Next Steps

Here's a list of five actionable next steps that Operations at new home builders can take to start addressing the challenge of reducing labor costs through automation and strategic supplier collaboration, as outlined in the blog post:

Evaluate Technology Use: Identify where new technologies and automation can streamline operations.
Strengthen Supplier Partnerships: Work closely with suppliers for more integrated planning and execution.
Boost Workforce Skills: Enhance your team's efficiency and quality through ongoing training.
Test Prefabrication Techniques: Implement a pilot project to assess the benefits of modular construction.
Automate Quality Control: Integrate technology for consistent quality and gather post-handover feedback for improvements.

Wrap up

The future of home building lies in automation and strategic supplier collaboration. Operations leaders have the opportunity to lead this charge, implementing innovative strategies that reduce labor costs without compromising on quality. By embracing these changes, we are not just building homes; we are building the future.

Our mission is to simplify the homeowners & home builders customer experience. Let Iris do the work.

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