Brian Moone reports on UK industry lead times for Building
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12/02/2010
In his quarterly contribution to Building magazine, Brian Moone of the Mace Business School reports on UK industry lead times and puts the "spotlight" on lifts, specifically those that will be installed in the Shard at London Bridge.
Having detailed the ups and downs of lead times for the full range of packages, Brian concludes his summary article with the following: "Lead times have fallen for the fourth consecutive quarter with no packages reporting an increase. Four packages are reporting reductions in the time taken from receipt of order to mobilising on site. Many contractors are reporting that although workload is down there is an increase in enquiries. They also report no shortages of labour, plant or materials."
In his "Spotlight on lifts", Brian compares standard and non-standard lift installations and how the specification impacts on lead times. He focuses on the vertical transport management strategy that will be employed at the 72-storey Shard, which will require 36 lifts: 21 passenger lifts, five goods lifts, two fire lifts, six hydraulic lifts and two hoists. Brian points out, "The vertical transport strategy not only has to consider the completed building but also provide transportation during the construction process. Although the lifts are not necessarily on the critical path for the finished building, they are on the critical path for the transportation of the operatives, plant and equipment during construction."
Both articles are published on the Building website - follow the links below to view.
