Digital business model for large site building logistics

Research Project, 2018 – 2021

Through literature studies and the collection of expert knowledge from other sectors, a digital planning and execution concept is developed.

Large construction projects have complex flows with materials and systems at the construction site. Construction logistics often includes hundreds of trucks and vans that take care of both incoming and outgoing goods. Building logistics requires precise control of time and space. Customers and contractors are increasingly using small companies that are specialized in construction logistics. These companies use business models where they deliver services to clients, contractors and hauliers in collaboration with the supply chain, which ensures a smooth and efficient flow.

The small expert companies use information and communication technology to some extent in their business model. Project aims to develop a digitized business model based on blockchain, to expand and strengthen the services.

The project is being carried out in cooperation with a small company, Prolog Bygglogistik, which is an SME expert company. Through literature studies and the collection of expert knowledge from other sectors, a digital planning and exit concept is developed. To this comes a custom evaluation concept. There, a group of suppliers and contractors are actively selected during the installation phase of the building. We use block chain prototypes that are linked to devices for different things in place (IoT) and are tested in construction logistics on site. Results are analyzed and communicated via three seminars, a report and a scientific article. Prolog is expected to implement the final digital business model.

To drive a full digital business model in construction logistics is to ambitious long-term goals that require several steps, especially considering the limited innovation capacity of the construction industry and construction companies. The project is a well-defined trial that can show the importance of the construction industry's digitization and use of digitized building logistics.