Published on:
November 3, 2023
Construction site anomalies aren't new to many, if not all, construction companies that manage multiple workers on multiple sites, working on multiple projects. An example of this is the article below from The Philippine Star that reflects how construction materials at job sites are at risk of being stolen – in this case, construction materials approximately worth US$1000 (PHP 65,000) were seized from the suspects in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. While this article specifically is localized news, this is not an uncommon phenomenon. Pilferage and theft are rampant across construction sites all over the world impacting the profitability of construction projects.
A screenshot of the headline and banner photo of the Philippine Star article published last Oct. 22, 2023.
Effective construction materials management is a critical strategy in reducing pilferage at job sites. A well-structured materials management system ensures that materials are carefully monitored and controlled, making it harder for theft to go unnoticed. This involves inventory tracking, secure storage, and access control. By keeping a detailed record of materials on-site, project managers can quickly identify discrepancies and shortages, which may indicate theft. In addition, having designated storage areas with controlled access, such as locked storage containers, limits unauthorized personnel from accessing valuable materials. This not only deters potential thieves but also ensures that only authorized individuals can handle the materials, reducing the opportunity for pilferage.
Furthermore, an organized materials management system can also help prevent pilferage by improving transparency and accountability. Each material movement and transaction can be documented and tracked, making it easier to trace the origins of missing items. Moreover, materials management provides data analytics capabilities, allowing project managers to identify patterns and discrepancies in material usage and inventory levels. By analyzing this data, it becomes easier to spot irregularities that may signal pilferage. These insights can lead to timely interventions and improved security measures. Furthermore, automating the procurement and ordering process through these systems can reduce human errors and inefficiencies that often contribute to pilferage.
Book a meeting with Steer’s digital transformation evangelist HERE to understand how technology backed effective materials management can potentially help your organization reduce the impact of instances like the one above.
