The Master’s thesis focuses on some of the logistical challenges which may arise in connection with the delivery of building materials. The thesis explores different technologies and tools that may support a logistical process and thereby contribute to creating a more efficient materials handling. The study explores the logistical process from producer via distributor to the delivery of the materials at the building site.
The thesis takes point of departure in the fact that the author functioned as an internal link at the company Exigo Consult and was responsible for exploring to what extent a basis existed for expanding the company’s business area with a technology-supported process for building materials handling. Thus, the study of the thesis is primarily aimed at Exigo Consult – a company which works with technical solutions in the building industry on a daily basis. The purpose of the study has been to develop a system which may contribute to creating a more efficient way of dealing with the logistical challenges related to building materials handling.
The first part of the thesis contains a presentation of materials handling in a historical perspective with the aim of providing the reader with a better understanding of how building materials are handled in different contexts and situations. The discussion is based on the literature review of the thesis and forms the basis of the problem explored in the thesis. This problem concerns different challenges related to materials handling and logistics and forms the backdrop of the problem statement:
“Can a technology-supported process create a more efficient delivery and handling of building materials?”
In the thesis, the problem statement furthermore serves to consolidate the data analysis and data processing sections in which a conceptual model of a system setup is developed on the basis of technologies and IT tools. Subsequently, the developed system is tested according to the value which it may offer users and the extent to which the system is technologically possible. Following the testing of the system, the thesis applies a business perspective and explores the attitudes and opinions of the business sector in relation to logistics and building materials handling. These explorations form the basis of the developed analyses which offer an indication of the problems related to the specific area. The thesis is concluded with a suggestion for implementation, ideas for new products and services, and recommendations for the building industry. Finally, the results of the study are summed up in a conclusion.