Challenges
The project sought to reduce risk and improve project performance by replacing manual, paper-based processes with an RFID material identification system.
Solution
The Loop Material Readiness deployment included sensory technology and field mobility to supply timely data to fulfill construction and management’s demand for progress and information for scheduling, workface planning and installation. Gate readers are strategically positioned to read RFID tags that enter site facilities. Paired with pre-set logic and reader rules, gate readers communicate with tagged purchase order line items and shipping units and provide arrival timestamps and notifications.
Pre-set logic and reader rules also supply metrics and notifications regarding field material requests and associated tagged materials that have (or have not) left the facility. Materials removed from facilities without proper requisitioning are flagged by gate readers, and Loop Material Readiness automatically notifies management to investigate and reconcile. Inbound and outbound gates were determined on-site and setup commenced prior to the assessment team de-mobilizing.
The transfer of data collected from barcode and passive RFID-tagged materials into the project’s proprietary materials management tool automates material receiving, warehouse material control and inventory, material pick up and material issuing to contractors.
By automating material workflow processes, Loop Material Readiness provides actionable, real-time information regarding the location and status of all materials needed for construction, which ensures visibility and traceability of materials in transport and on-site. The Loop Material Readiness solution also increases the efficiency of the processes related to the management of materials as they flow through a global supply chain and intra-site transfers.
The project has onboarded 168 suppliers by leveraging vendor-supplied barcodes and passive RFID tags associated to finished materials at supplier and fabrication facilities. Information is streamlined using the integration, tablets with the Loop Material Readiness mobile app and sensory technology to provide near real-time visibility of materials throughout the global supply chain.
Summary
The project was estimated to be 38% complete. The statistics below represent the to-date data measure and the estimated remaining work to go on the project. Together, these result in a total savings of 33,417 hours or more than $581,000.
