Although the construction industry outlook for the future continues to improve, it’s important for contractors to keep looking at new ways to remain competitive in an industry that has faced many challenges in recent years
With a Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) study once finding that 57% construction industry professionals cite poor procurement processes as a reason for budget issues, it’s clear that improving procurement processes is vital for construction businesses looking to maintain their competitive edge.
How contractors are being hindered by their current materials procurement process
The traditional method of procuring materials – manually searching for suppliers, making endless phone calls and comparing quotes on spreadsheets – wastes time, drains resources and leaves businesses vulnerable to missed opportunities.
In today’s fast-paced construction environment, these outdated methods slow down projects, inflate costs and ultimately make it harder to remain competitive.
Contractors cannot afford to ignore digital
When margins are tight and deadlines are critical, contractors who are slow to adopt digital procurement risk being left behind. Digital solutions can:
Speed up procurement by reducing admin time.
Diversify supplier bases to ensure better prices and availability.
Track and manage everything in one place, ensuring transparency and compliance.
Staying competitive in the construction industry means adapting to digital; those who don’t will be outpaced by contractors who are already using technology to save time, money and win more business.
Use data driven insights to get ahead when tendering
Winning tenders is about more than just price. Today, Tier 1 contractors need suppliers who are efficient, forward-thinking and can provide detailed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) data to meet public and private sector requirements.
Contractors that offer data-driven insights – such as carbon footprint reductions, local sourcing practices and supply chain transparency – are more likely to stand out in competitive tender processes.
Utilising digital platforms that provide real-time market data and analytics allows contractors to make better decisions. By having access to comprehensive reports that track procurement efficiency, carbon savings and supplier performance, contractors can demonstrate their commitments to operating sustainably and efficiently.
Embrace sustainability as soon as possible
The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to carbon emissions and there is growing pressure from governments, clients and the public to reduce this impact. Contractors must integrate sustainability into their procurement strategies to not only comply with regulations but also remain attractive to clients who prioritise green initiatives.
By leveraging digital procurement platforms, construction companies can take advantage of features that simplify the process of sourcing locally to reduce the carbon emissions associated with their projects.
Sustainability reporting tools can be used to showcase your company’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices when bidding for projects. In an industry where reputation matters, contractors who can demonstrate their dedication to reducing environmental impact will have a competitive edge.
How The Build Chain modernises construction materials procurement
The Build Chain, an online platform for sourcing materials, is at the forefront of transforming the construction materials procurement process. The solution empowers contractors and housebuilders to streamline operations, leverage data for smarter decisions, and meet sustainability requirements – all in one place.
Enhancing procurement through digital solutions: The Build Chain simplifies materials procurement by providing contractors with a single platform where they can connect with over 500 suppliers across the UK.
Contractors can send out a single enquiry and receive quotes from multiple suppliers within minutes, significantly reducing the time spent on phone calls, emails and spreadsheets.
With real-time updates and instant access to a diverse supplier base, contractors can make quicker decisions, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget. The platform’s automated processes also enable contractors to maintain full transparency and compliance with their procurement activities.
Using data-driven insights to win more tenders: The Build Chain offers powerful data analytics tools that provide contractors with valuable insights to help them stand out in tendering processes.
The platform allows contractors to compare supplier pricing, lead times and even track carbon emissions for each quote. This wealth of data helps contractors demonstrate their commitment to efficiency and sustainability when bidding for contracts.
Additionally, the platform’s reporting features make it easy to compile ESG data, which is increasingly required for public and private sector tenders. Contractors can use this information to differentiate themselves by showcasing their commitment to responsible business practices.
Embracing sustainability: The Build Chain enables contractors to prioritise suppliers based on proximity to project sites, reducing transportation-related carbon emissions.
Each quote includes an ESG savings percentage, allowing contractors to make informed decisions that align with their sustainability goals.
In addition, contractors can generate detailed reports that provide evidence of their sustainability efforts, helping them meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly construction practices and solidifying their position as forward-thinking partners in the industry.
By offering a comprehensive digital solution that addresses procurement efficiency, data-driven decision making and sustainability, The Build Chain is helping contractors modernise their operations and stay competitive in today’s construction landscape.
For contractors and housebuilders looking to futureproof their business, adopting The Build Chain is a step toward long-term success. The time to modernise your materials procurement is now!
*Please note that this is a commercial profile.
The post How to modernise your materials procurement process and remain competitive as a contractor appeared first on Planning, Building & Construction Today.
