Logistics is # 1

Mar 24, 20222 min read

Updated: Jan 6, 2023

Create Your Logistics Map

Your Logistics Map cannot just be a map you create, post, and use one time. It is a strategic planning tool that will allow you to properly control your project. It should be intelligently designed, easy to follow, nice to look at, and kept up-to-date. Every good superintendent will utilize a system to control logistics in an intentional and remarkable way.

The key to production is not just the work, but effective material supplies to the work.

I remember that we began using a logistics plan for day planning at a pharmacy project where I worked. On the day plan maps, we would identify where materials were to be staged, where work was taking place, and then sent that drawing to every worker in the field. Our forklift operator, crane operator, and foremen began using that map to control the site. It was so remarkable to take a stagnant plan and turn it into a daily planning tool.

Plan the appropriate items and visually communicate to control logistics with the other leaders on the project site. You will want to plan for the following things at a minimum:

Area control
Clear access ways
Trailer position and organization
General site configuration and design
Flow of deliveries
Traffic patterns
Pedestrian patterns
Site security
New utility construction
Equipment mobilization and demobilization
Loading platforms
Pumping
Slick lines and placing booms
The hoist
The crane
Equipment staging
Staging locations
Site signage

Get help when creating your daily logistics plan. If you do this, you will begin the planning of your terrain, which has been a habit throughout centuries with the best generals in war.

Determine the following:

Flow of construction
Entrances to the Jobsite (You really need 2, if possible)
Trailer location (Always get this off-site when possible or out to the construction area)
Trade partner offices
Dumpster location
Temp restrooms (Keep them grouped together NOT all spread out)
Material laydown
Fire lane
Temp water and temp power
Parking lots
Temp fence
Site organization
Site signage
Emergency gathering points
Disaster planning
Emergency personnel access and planning