Automated tracking of construction materials for improved supply chain logistics and provenance – Scoping Study

What we did and why

The VBA supported research by Monash University and The University of Melbourne, through the Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre, to investigate the construction supply chain and assess tracking technologies (e.g., sensors, visual tracking, information systems, data collection) for building-industry appropriateness, to support recommendations for the implementation of automated and secure material and assembly tracking to improve project performance and establish ongoing material provenance and regulatory compliance.

The construction supply chain is a critical enabler for the construction industry, but also poses challenges and risks. This is mainly due to the typical make-to-order nature of the construction supply chain, which is often unstable, highly fragmented and geographically dispersed. The Building Confidence Report (2018) identified the need for secured data that identifies the origin of materials, products, and assemblies. The ability to track and trace construction materials is becoming increasingly important as it contributes to and is associated with project efficiency, safety and building compliance, project efficiency, safety, sustainability and performance.

This research project was completed in 2022–23.

The University of Melbourne’s Dr Wen Li led the research.

The project was jointly funded by the Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre and industry partners (VBA, BlueScope, Holmesglen Institute, Lendlease Digital, Master Builders Victoria, Salesforce, Sumitomo Forestry Australia, and Ynomia).

What difference this made

The project delivered a review of industry technologies and case studies for material provenance and supply chain efficiency, and a scalable roadmap for implementation of sensor tracking including data integration with digital twin to achieve improved quality assurance and regulatory compliance.

The research identifies shortcomings in the current construction supply chain, and pain points and productivity inefficiencies that could be addressed through automated materials tracking. Product safety, more accessible product information, and improved compliance, sustainability and quality are other advantages of digitalisation of construction materials traceability.

While currently available sensor technologies are relatively advanced and there are mandated international standards to support traceability, the complexities in the construction industry, including complex interactions between materials, construction equipment and workers pose unique challenges.

The final research report considers way in which barriers and challenges to adoption could be addressed or overcome, including showcasing visibility of results of traceability by early adopters. The research report is available from the Building 4.0 Cooperative Research Centre.