EFFICIENT UTILISATION OF AUTOMATION IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALSHANDLING PROCESSES
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Date
2022-12
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Acta Structilia 2022
Abstract
There is a limited understanding of automation in
construction materials-handling processes utilised by
manufacturing firms in Nigeria. This article evaluates
the level of utilisation of automation in construction
materials-handling operations by manufacturing
firms in North-Central Nigeria, to improve
operational efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Using a case study research design, quantitative
data (observation guide with measurements) were
collected from 32 purposively selected constructionmaterial manufacturers. A total of 72 customers’
orders were observed and recorded to be
representative of deliveries from the sampled (n=32)
manufacturers’ warehouses to other terminals. The
descriptive method of data analysis was employed
using percentages and results presented in a form
of bar charts. The study reveals low-level utilisation
of automation in the combined processes of order
picking, storage, loading, and offloading of material.
These imply increasing material costs and causing a
delay in delivery. The article concludes by providing
construction-material manufacturers with areas that
require automation to optimise material-handling operations. A recommendation is made for further study to explore why automation is
not utilised despite its advantage.
Description
Keywords
: Automation, construction materials, efficiency, material handling