Value stream mapping - A case study of cold-formed steel house framing for offsite manufacturing supply chain

Abstract

Offsite manufacturing (OSM) has the potential to help reduce the housing shortfall by increasing the supply of housing stock. The poor performance of the construction supply chain is the main reason for the low uptake of OSM. OSM supply chain characteristics such as configuration, information flow and material flow are different for OSM technologies. Furthermore, there are inefficiencies in the supply chain causing waste, which also varies with OSM technology. A case study of the OSM supply chain for structural framing for cold-formed steel (CFS) houses is mapped and assessed using value stream mapping (VSM). From the VSM it is possible to understand current performance and determine opportunities for improvement. Such information can help foster further adoption of OSM of CFS in housing.