In the right place at the right time: Karl Gross coordinates and plans the movement of goods on construction sites.
Industrial plants made in Germany are in demand in many parts of the world. The transport to their destination such as a construction site, bears logistical challenges. Most of the time, it is beneficial if the logistics service provider offers support on the construction site such as making the plant’s single components available immediately for installation.
When delivering shipments sequentially, a precise planing is inevitable.
Therefore, Karl Gross supports certain project cargo shipments of their customers with logistics services beyond delivery at place construction site or factory premises. “Not only the movement of the freight which often is heavy and oversized at construction site premises can be challenging”, says Igor Bartuli, project leader for on-site-logistics in our office in Hamburg. “Receipt of goods, interim storage, unpacking of goods right before they are needed in the construction process and inspection of goods are important topics, too.”
A brief sketch of on-site-logistics in practice
“Together with our colleagues from Santiago de Chile, we organized the transport of factory construction equipment from the manufacturer in Germany to the consignee’s construction site in Chile. We were also to take care of the on-site logistics allowing our customer and the consignee to concentrate on the construction and installation processes”, says Igor Bartuli. “We implemented a system of sequential deliveries of the shipment’s single part lots and coordinated all movements of the freight at the construction site”, says Tomás Hernández Figueroa, Head of Logistics of our subsidiary in Chile.
A well wrought logistics concept is inevitable for on-site logistics service. “Different components of the shipment are usually needed at the site at different times and stages of the construction process”, says Tomás Hernández Figueroa. “The components need to be ready for processing request on short notice to allow for smooth processes. Simultaneously, space for interim storage is often limited. Precise planning on both sides of the transport chain is key”, says Igor Bartuli.
Time management is vital
One crucial question is: at what time does each component need to be where? “We closely collaborate with the respective managers at the construction site and create a timeline”, explains Tomás Hernández Figueroa. “Nonetheless, these plans are not static. Transports, deliveries and interim storage activities get adjusted according to the needs and the progress of the construction process. That is to say that we plan and organize flexibly.”
Space management
Time is money – so is space. In the scope of on-site logistics, meaning logistic services on construction sites or factory premises, the management of space is another important factor. On one hand, the positioning of the shipment’s components at the construction premises needs to be in tune with the construction process. That may include sorting and picking activities. On the other hand, the interim storage should be arranged in a space-saving manner to keep storage costs low. “As much space as needed for maneuvering – but as little as possible”, says Igor Bartuli about Karl Gross’ approach. “Safety is also important. That includes for example, guarding the factory components, which often contain sensitive technologies against weathering effects.”
Last checks before hand-over
Our on-site logistics specialists also coordinate the hand-over of the shipment’s components to the respective installation teams. They organize for the unpacking of parts, for testing them and document each step.
Every single shipment will be checked before handing them over to the respective installation teams.
Continuous flow of information
To make on-site-logistics services truly beneficial, constant flow of information between all parties involved is necessary. Our specialists need as much information as possible, such as the packaging details of the goods. And they need to be kept up to date about the next steps planned at the construction site. At the same time they need to be informed about delivery times, inventory etc.. “Nobody should need to ask for updates. Our way is to provide updates pro-actively.”, says Igor Bartuli and Tomás Hernández Figueroa.
