The Build Chain can reduce the cost of materials procurement and cut the time it takes to find and buy what is needed
High prices and difficulties in sourcing materials continue to affect the construction industry.
PBC Today recently reported that the price of concrete rose by 5% in Q3 2023 and anecdotal evidence suggests many contractors are still experiencing delays when purchasing materials.
Because having the right materials in the right place at the right time is fundamental for the smooth delivery of construction projects, it’s essential that contractors take steps to reduce the impact of high prices and product availability issues.
With no indication that things will change significantly in the coming months, businesses need to adapt the way they work to overcome these barriers to commercial success.
Better uptake of digital materials procurement solutions would make a significant positive difference in the construction industry. Digital can provide more transparent pricing, improved access to better deals, and help expand supply chains.
Current materials procurement methods aren’t working
The ways many contractors currently procure materials are not sustainable in the long run. Materials procurement tends to be a manual process, with buyers relying on complex spreadsheets or even pen and paper-based systems.
The time-consuming nature of this process means it can be difficult to find new suppliers, so buyers fall back on existing suppliers, using them repeatedly, which can lead to non-competitive pricing, waiting too long for the right products or settling for materials of lower quality.
Contractors ahead of the curve are already implementing digital solutions that allow them to expand and diversify their supply chains for improved project delivery but there are still a number of companies trapped in a cycle of more traditional ways to do business.
The Build Chain: A transformative digital solution for materials procurement
The Build Chain is an online procurement platform that transforms the process of sourcing materials. In just four simple steps, the process of buying materials becomes more efficient:
- Submit one simple enquiry form for materials needed.
- Connect instantly with suppliers local to site.
- Compare quotes based on price and location in one centralised dashboard.
- Buy direct from the supplier of choice.
In-built reporting capabilities allow users to accurately assess key data, including which suppliers are used most frequently, how quickly they respond to enquiries and the typical distance of suppliers from site.
How does The Build Chain address price inflation and delays in sourcing materials?
Using The Build Chain for materials procurement can reduce the cost of materials and significantly reduces the time it takes to find and buy what is needed.
The platform removes the needs for buyers to spend large amounts of time seeking suitable suppliers through manual repetitive tasks like trawling search engines and calling multiple suppliers individually.
Instead, suppliers on The Build Chain will reach out to contractors directly. The efficiency of this process means it’s easy to expand supply chains and it removes the reliance on existing suppliers and pre-agreed rates, which may no longer be competitive.
Because quotes from suppliers are received in a single dashboard, it’s easy to compare quotes at a glance. This, alongside the option to add existing suppliers to the platform, makes it simple to benchmark pricing and ensure any agreements with suppliers are competitive.
Users of The Build Chain report that using the platform saves hours of times per project and ensures they’re getting the best price for materials.
The impact of product delays is lessened because you only end up communicating with suppliers who have the capacity to fulfil the enquiry.
What inspired the creation of The Build Chain?
The Build Chain was created after its founders recognised an opportunity to utilise digital to address many of the challenges being faced by the construction industry.
The goal was to build a solution that would enable procurement teams to work more efficiently and reduce costs, allowing construction projects to keep moving during uncertain times.
Through user feedback and support from industry experts, the platform is continually being improved in direct response to what construction professionals will provide the most value.
Extra benefits of digital materials procurement solutions
In addition to price inflation and product availability issues, the construction industry is facing increasing pressure to operate more sustainably.
The two main environmental issues associated with materials procurement are the distance materials have to travel to get to site and the environmental impact of the materials themselves.
By using The Build Chain for materials procurement, contractors can quickly and easily adopt a local supply chain which reduces the distance materials needs to travel to site and lowers the carbon emissions associated with the project.
The platform also enables manufacturers and merchants who have worked hard to create sustainable product ranges to showcase the important work they have done in this area and increase uptake of more environmentally friendly building materials.
Are you ready to change the way you work?
The Build Chain team is on hand to show you the difference our platform could make to your business.
In the coming months, we’re expanding our solution significantly, continuing to support the construction industry to deliver long lasting positive change in materials procurement.
Contractors who embrace the evolving digital landscape in the construction industry will be the ones who enjoy longterm success.
Neil Sheldon
CEO
The Build Chain
Tel: +44 3300 532 193
*Please note: This is a commercial profile.
