Enhance Your Operational Efficiency With the Right Construction Tool
The construction industry is an important contributor to the Australian economy, employing over one million people and generating an estimated revenue of $472.3 billion dollars a year. However, there are many pain points faced by construction companies that challenge growth, productivity, and profitability. Factors like project delays, price increases on materials, and inefficient work practices continue to negatively impact the return on investment for projects. More and more, companies are seeking improved timelines, costs, and workflow efficiencies on their job sites.
The following covers the most common pain points faced by construction companies and what you can do about it.
- Problem #1: Rising Project Expenses
Rising costs continue to impede the growth of construction companies. Supply chain disruptions, inflation, high prices for raw materials, and the surge in electricity and oil prices, among other factors, has resulted in a continual upward trend in the cost of construction projects. This is exerting sustained pressure on fixed-price contracts and margin targets, leading to lower returns on investment and higher rates of insolvency.
- Problem #2: Poor Productivity
According to a 2023 report by the Australian Contractors Association, the most important issue facing the Australia construction industry is poor productivity. Despite strong levels of construction activity, productivity has decreased over the last three decades. Bringing productivity in line with the economy wide average would unlock an additional $56 billion in construction revenue each year. One reason for this reduced productivity relates to challenges faced on site, such as material handling inefficiencies, that result in stretched project timelines.
- Problem #3: Skilled Labour Shortage
The scarcity of skilled labourers is an ongoing issue for construction companies. Infrastructure Australia forecasted a deficit of 131,000 full-time labourer positions in 2024. Skilled labour shortage is an issue primarily driven by two factors: declining apprenticeship numbers and an aging workforce. This imbalance between the available workforce and the labour demands of projects often leads to delayed timelines, incurring penalties and reducing profits. Many companies, therefore, are looking for solutions that help mitigate the shortage of skilled labourers.
- Problem #4: Outdated Installation Methods
When it comes to material handling requirements on construction sites, loading platforms continue to be the tool of choice. However, traditional loading platforms can cause costly delays due to their outdated installation method. It takes upwards of 45 minutes to install, relocate, or remove fixed decks, in part due to the required minimum of six re-shore props and the fact that they cannot be bolted down. Although loading platforms help to streamline material handling needs on site, this timely installation method negatively impacts productivity on site.
How a Planned System Can Help
Investing in hire equipment to enhance productivity, reduce labour costs, and streamline workflow on site is the solution. Innovation in resolving the above problems has led to the introduction of more efficient material handling tools in the market, such as the SuperDeck® retractable loading platform system.
Not only able to be stacked vertically, but also rolled in and out as needed, the SuperDeck® offers a convenient drawer-like system proven to quicken the material handling process. Requiring only one operator, it also frees up the rest of your team so they can perform other high value tasks. Taking as little as 15 minutes, our two-prop installation method saves critical time on site, helping to boost productivity.
If enhancing your operational efficiency is a priority, speak to the team at Preston Hire to learn more about how the SuperDeck® can provide the solution for your upcoming project. Call 1800 440 550 or visit our website.
