Exploring Logistics Strategy in Construction

Part 9: Operations Management in Engineer-to-Order ManufacturingInternational audienceThe purpose of this research is to explore logistics strategies in construction. There are very few studies on logistics and SCM practices in construction, especially when it comes to the long-term strategic work of construction companies. Therefore, this research takes a contractor’s perspective and addresses logistics strategy based on the empirical examination of two case companies in the construction industry. The main focus is the contents of the strategy and possible components of the logistics strategy are identified through a literature review. Also the process of the strategy is treated through exploring logistics strategy in two case companies exemplifying two strategic approaches to construction logistics. However, the approaches differ, implying a spectrum that at one end responds in a standardized manner to a pre-determined design solution and at the other reveals a re-configurable modular approach. The main contributions of this study lie in exploring logistics strategy in construction and providing examples of how construction companies work with logistics strategies, adding empirical knowledge to the field of construction logistics