The supply chain disruptions, price volatility, and unpredictability that the latest round of tariffs has caused for parts and materials have many in the industry wondering what they can do to get ahead of potential delays. 

In this article, we’ll break down how to beat the parts delay spiral and invest in better logistics strategies and technologies so that construction companies and contractors can improve their first-time fix rates and remain competitive, no matter what’s happening with economic policies.

Why Delays Kill Efficiency

To some, losing a single day on a construction project because of a missing part might not sound that serious, but even a short interruption can have consequences. Losing the day risks precious labor hours going to waste and raises the issue of how to make up for that loss later. Every supply chain delay increases the risk of a project exceeding the initial time and budget constraints. It also kills efficiency.

Most construction projects have to perform tasks in a sequential, set manner to adhere to engineering requirements. That’s why material lead times are so relevant and why a single delay can have ripple effects across a project. For example, delayed plumbing fittings will delay tiling and decorating efforts and mean that any productivity that’s been gained until that point is swiftly lost.

Parts delays interrupt the workflow and force teams to try and make up for it elsewhere. This often makes projects more stressful and can even lead to rushed, sloppy work. All in all, there’s no denying the damage a delay can wreak.

What “First-Time Fix” Really Means

As construction spending continues to dip, contractors need to find new ways to stay competitive. Having a strong first-time fix rate (FTFR) is one of the best ways to do it, no matter what area of construction you’re in.

A first-time fix is when a service provider is able to resolve a customer’s issue on the first visit. Most electricians, plumbers, and builders are paid primarily for the job at hand. They can’t charge extra because there was a delay in sourcing critical materials, fixtures or replacement parts for key construction equipment, and they had to come back for a second time. It’s why it’s so costly to go back and forth on a job.

Alternatively, customers are more likely to recommend or call again on a service that dealt with their issue on the first go, which helps bring in more work. It also saves on labor and time expenditure for the service provider. Added together, having a strong FTFR provides powerhouse benefits for the bottom line.

Logistics Moves Plumbing Pros Swear by

Material delivery and procurement issues are one of the most critical areas that project managers have to address to reduce delays, but how do contractors and other construction specialists stay stocked? Here are some of the logistics moves that plumbers swear by to avoid parts delays:

●      The “Rolling Warehouse” Approach: Keeping one main service van stocked with commonly used parts and kits prevents stockouts and delays. It ensures that technicians are more prepared to fix an issue on the first visit.

●      Pre-Planned Emergency Responses: Every customer thinks their burst pipe is an emergency, but plumbers know how common it is. Having pre-packed kits ready for typical plumbing emergencies means that plumbers can take advantage of all their experience and show up for those emergencies quickly and efficiently. 

●      Diversified Suppliers: No matter what area of construction a business is in, backup suppliers are vital for maintaining supply chain performance. Contractors with more than one go-to for parts ensure that there’s always someone else to call if there’s a shortage or delay.

●      After-Hours Pickup Lockers: Sometimes, staying on time with a project means being able to work on the weekend or assist with an emergency issue in the middle of the night. After-hours pick-up lockers ensure that contractors can pick up materials outside of usual hours. This provides greater flexibility when juggling tighter jobs. 

Tools and Tech That Power Faster Fulfilment

Sometimes parts are slowed down by external forces that can’t be controlled, but there are still plenty of tools and tech that can be used to speed up the process:

●      Inventory Tracking: RFID tags and other devices can be used to track inventory automatically, so that as soon as parts leave or enter a warehouse, that data is collected. This reduces the risk of stockouts as inventory is monitored more closely.

●      GPS Routing and Tracking: This is relevant for service vehicles and supplier deliveries alike. Using GPS tracking helps flag inefficient routing and allows crews to see exactly where parts are and when they’re likely to be delivered so that they can schedule work accordingly.

●      Supply Chain Platforms: A Transportation Management System (TMS) that brings together data from multiple suppliers allows construction companies to track shipments in real time. This, in turn, provides the insights needed for more efficient procurement decisions. Inventory management software can also be used to automate parts orders according to low stock counts and eliminate any administrative delays.

●      AI Forecasting: Predictive analytics powered by AI can take data from past projects and use it to provide insights so that fulfillments are timed appropriately

Getting Ahead of Parts Delays Starts with Smarter Logistics

Solving parts delays starts with getting ahead of them. Integrating tech that can better track and automate aspects of the procurement and fulfillment process ensures far more accurate ordering and, as a result, less chance of arriving at a job without the parts needed. It’s why investing in smarter logistics boosts first-time-fix rates and, as a result, helps businesses build up a competitive edge.