From Volume 3 Issue 3 of Connected.
Construction project managers face rising risks like labor shortages, unreliable lead times from manufacturing, lack of job storage and rapid fluctuations in metals pricing. These risks stem from disruptions in the global supply chain caused by the ongoing repercussions of the pandemic, economic wars and, in some cases, actual wars. We continue to ask ourselves, “When will COVID-19 no longer be an unquestionable hall pass for breaking commitments? How can we uphold our commitments in this environment of uncertainty?”
Since accurate information is critical for project success, Kirby Risk equips customers with a support team that provides essential information and solutions. Our team consistently monitors and confirms expected ship dates at regular intervals. Since we can't always control what happens at the manufacturing level, we take a proactive approach. When changes occur, the Project Management team promptly begins the expediting process and communicates these conditions to customers, giving them the power to facilitate seamless adjustments accordingly.
LABOR SHORTAGE
Labor shortages are a persistent issue across many sectors, particularly affecting project management by placing considerable strain on project timelines. As a result, project managers are seeking assistance and innovative solutions to minimize the manpower needed on jobsites.
Kirby Risk steps in to alleviate these pressures through labor saving services, including efficient material and wire handling. This encompasses custom delivery options like unboxing, kitting and carting. We also provide wire-pulling assistance and other solutions aimed at safely reducing the time required to pull wire.
Customers can rely on Kirby Risk to handle nonessential tasks that will reduce the required workforce for a project, thereby accelerating completion. This allows more flexibility for project managers to assign high-priority essential tasks to properly trained personnel, avoiding unnecessary labor allocation on less critical activities. Kirby Risk's support in lower-tier tasks minimizes unnecessary workloads and optimizes efficiency.
PROJECT LEAD TIMES
Extended project lead times create additional challenges for project managers, leading to longer project durations compared to several years ago, before COVID-19. Due to limited space on jobsites, these prolonged lead times require intricate logistics and meticulous planning for supplies needed at various stages of the project.
This is where Kirby Risk comes into play. Customers prefer shipping supplies to Kirby Risk instead of directly to the jobsite due to the elongated project timeline. Kirby Risk has ample off-site warehouse space specifically dedicated to customer-owned inventory. These facilities are temperature-controlled to maintain optimal storage conditions. All items designated for customers are fully insured, and pictures are provided as deemed necessary.
We have a rigorous process for storing customer supplies which involves checking items upon arrival, inspecting for damage, ensuring proper storage and coordinating delivery to the jobsite precisely when needed by customers. Our storage warehouses allow our Project Management team to collaborate with customers on a tailored logistics plan that ensures just-in-time delivery. We manage materials from multiple manufacturers with varying lead times and work with customers to develop a plan that meets the project's financial needs.
FLUCTUATING COSTS
Commodity prices are continuously fluctuating due to numerous influencing factors, making it difficult to predict future pricing. Kirby Risk ensures project stability by maintaining consistent agreed-upon wire pricing throughout the project duration by securing copper and aluminum poundage contracts. By entering into a poundage contract at the beginning of a project, contractors can stabilize expenses and mitigate the risk of unforeseen price fluctuations.
Kirby Risk offers project management solutions to fit any unique project. “There is no one size fits all when it comes to project management, but we have the resources in place to handle any project,” says Aaron McNeal, Strategic Account Executive of Construction and Project Management.