The Thirteenth Fairy

In the enchanting tale of Sleeping Beauty, a character known as the Thirteenth Fairy finds herself uninvited to the princess's christening due to unjust suspicions of enchantment or malevolence. The repercussions of this oversight sabotage the entire celebration for the young Sleeping Beauty.

In my previous article, I discussed how, particularly in the construction industry, we often overlook essential stakeholders or scenarios, unknowingly casting them as the "Thirteenth Fairy" in our project narratives.

The Thirteenth Fairy of Construction

Today, I invite you to consider one of these oft-forgotten elements – Procurement.

Supply chain management plays a pivotal and impactful role in construction projects, yet it frequently operates in the shadows. Procurement serves as the engine that ensures materials align perfectly, costs stay within budgetary bounds, and deliveries remain punctual. Sadly, procurement is frequently undervalued and underestimated, relegating it to the role of the Thirteenth Fairy. A misguided procurement strategy can result in project delays or, in some cases, project cancellation.

From initial sketches and plans through construction, procurement and construction planning constitute vital components of project development, often referred to as part of the preconstruction phase.

Unveiling the Enchantment of BIM in Procurement

But how can we harness design data to enhance our execution processes? Often, even during the execution phase, our focus remains solely on information management, such as plans, textual components, or perhaps a 3D CAD model.

From our experiences at @Ubitech Constructii, we leverage the power of data to elevate material and labor procurement into a strategic undertaking. According to McKinsey, procurement "typically accounts for 40 to 70 percent of a company's total spend."

One of our most valuable tools is the BIM360 / Autodesk Construction Cloud solution, serving as a shared data environment. We extend invitations to bidders, granting them distinct roles and customized access, allowing them to access project information and submit inquiries or suggestions. Bid-related documentation is dispatched to them in dedicated packages via Review or Transmittal functionality. No contracts are finalized until all bidder-raised issues have been thoroughly reviewed, addressed, and resolved. The project's progression to the next phase hinges on the resolution of all outstanding matters.

The utilization of a common data environment (CDE) not only forestalls potential future conflicts between bidders and General Contractors regarding information access and bid completeness but also furnishes transparency and traceability. Versioning preserves the project's history and evolution from bid to acceptance.

Equally integral to our workflow are quantities, work packages, and initial cost estimates, all managed through a custom cloud platform developed by our R&D department.

The Cast of Other Enchanted Fairies

Beyond procurement, there are other facets that merit the title of the "Thirteenth Fairy" within the construction industry. Here are a few examples:

Project planning and management | Risk Management | Quality Control | Safety management

These activities collectively underpin the success of construction projects. Neglecting them can lead to delays, budget overruns, and safety hazards. Thus, recognizing their significance and allocating adequate attention and resources is imperative.

A Change in Narrative

We hold the power to alter our stories and reshape the beliefs of our characters. In McKinsey's report, "The strategic era of procurement in construction", the future not only emphasizes cost reduction and a novel approach but also underscores the influence of individuals inhabiting roles ranging from procurement specialists to Chief Procurement Officers (CPOs).

They will soon find themselves "in the driver's seat for reducing the CO2 footprint of construction projects", evaluating material carbon footprints and exploring "green products" in lieu of traditional materials.

Deloitte's 2023 Global Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) Survey introduces a fresh role for CPOs:

empowering their teams to become 'Orchestrators of value'.

This report further reinforces procurement's role in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) as the second priority within organizations.

Parting Thoughts

In both reports, procurement transcends its traditional and modest role, assuming a strategic mantle within companies by optimizing practices, enhancing profitability, and steering decarbonization. In the near future, procurement is poised to deliver a host of advantages, including a competitive edge, sustainability focus, and the harnessing of procurement technology.

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A Collaborative Creation:

This article emerges from my reflections and experiences. While the foundation is entirely my own, the final form has been shaped with the help of?ChatGPT-4 by OpenAI. This alliance signifies my dedication to growth, ensuring I stay true to my core values – such as?integrity?and?authenticity.