Industrial facilities- Best practices in Development
Industrial development is usually in the shadow of the big housing industry, but a new generation of manufacturers and new industries are changing that situation. The demand now is for high quality design of facilities, and plenty of them. Building contractors in Queensland have been creating quite a few of these new concepts, and the value of the new design concepts is obvious.
Industrial developments- A new paradigm
One of the reasons for the new types of industrial facilities is new technology and new products. The old industrial design models are almost totally irrelevant to these types of production. Automation, different markets and different types of processes have completely changed the concept of industrial developments.
Warehouses are good examples of the new industrial designs. These were originally big barn-like buildings, designed to manually handle bulk materials. Since the introduction of automation and computerized distribution systems, the design requirements for interiors have completely changed.
Manufacturing, too, is automating, and the “factory” is now as much a housing for machinery and complex systems as for people. The distribution system also plays a big part in this process, requiring dedicated roads, access, handling facilities, power and chemical handling capabilities, requiring more design elements.
Issues in industrial developments
Industrial developments, particularly major projects like industrial estates and plants, require comprehensive planning. These can be very big budget strategic projects, and major commitments. In the construction industry, those factors are the criteria for best practice construction management from the start.
“Best practice” is an evolved, proven business practice. In construction, it’s a painstakingly thorough process. A big construction project is an exercise in full spectrum management by definition:
- All expenditure must be managed on an ongoing, fully audited, basis.
- Construction progress has to be monitored and checked to ensure compliance with contract and specifications.
- Reporting, contract monitoring and quality controls must be in place before commencement of the project, and cover every aspect of construction.
- Management must have effective real time control over any issues.
This approach ensures full scrutiny of all processes involved in construction. The “single stream” prevents information problems and gives management full access to all data in real time.
Design makes the difference- The best plan at the best price
In big budget industrial facilities, master builders and experienced architects as construction managers can save developers millions. Design is a key factor in the success of industrial construction projects. Expert evaluation of design can save money before the first draft of a construction plan is brought to a committee for approval.
Avoiding design flaws and approvals problems which can stop a project in its tracks are just some of the benefits. Better design options are another. A good construction management company can do a full integrated evaluation of the project, and avoid site issues which can be equally expensive.
If you have a look at some of the new construction projects by construction companies in Queensland you’ll see the type of highly diversified industrial projects now being built. These big, brand new buildings are a good guide to what’s possible.
