Supply chain integration

Offsite residential construction, Glossary of terms, published by Buildoffsite in 2018, suggests that Supply Chain Integration (SCI): ‘…involves sub-sectors working cooperatively so that the collective effort will most effectively deliver the clients’ requirements and avoid unnecessary work. SCI is about adding value to the design and construction processes and improving time, cost, quality, safety and cost in use. The role of SCI is becoming more important and needs a broad range of skills, and is likely to be characterised in terms of breadth of knowledge rather than reliance on depth. The use of software and interface protocols is becoming more common and is likely to become established practice in response to the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM). It is critical for the project integrator to ensure the entire supply chain (including professionals) communicate as a single entity and understand the need to collectively manage and ensure cohesion at the interfaces between different functions.’

DfMA Overlay to the RIBA Plan of Work, Mainstreaming Design for Manufacture and Assembly in Construction, 2nd Edition, published by the RIBA in 2021, defines supply chain integration (SCI) as: ‘A process for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain’s performance by setting the conditions for cooperation and collaboration. When successful, supply chains run projects safely, quickly and without rework, and deliver the client’s requirements for quality and reliability on time and on budget.’

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