Confidence in specification during market uncertainty

Manufacturers rely on global supply chains to deliver the raw materials used to produce their construction products, while production processes require energy. Disruption to shipping routes and spikes in energy prices negatively impact logistics, raise prices, and create understandable concern when trying to plan for projects that may be several years away.

The first step towards confident specification is accepting that, unfortunately, the only certain thing is there will always be this kind of uncertainty.

That means working with manufacturers who display agile thinking and creativity, and who can provide project support from brief to completion on site.

For manufacturers to provide the support that construction projects need, early engagement and visibility of upcoming projects is essential. Early insight into anticipated volumes allows manufacturers to plan production and allocate stock efficiently and effectively.

When this doesn’t happen, the risk is that specifications can’t be delivered as intended, leading to compromises and building performance shortfalls.

As current events in the Middle East have continued to influence material supplies and energy costs, we have taken steps to plan ahead in order to support ongoing and future projects. Among the measures we have implemented are changes to manufacturing plans and holding strategic stock. Taken together, these steps aim to maintain continuity of supply for our solutions.

Meanwhile, our technical and specification teams remain available to assist with design queries, performance requirements, compliance guidance, and project specific support.

Working with manufacturers from as early a stage as possible means product knowledge and expertise can inform design and specification decisions from the outset. It establishes a dialogue that can run over many months, or even years, and ensure that specifications remain up-to-date and deliverable.

As part of our approach to having a reliable and readily available supply of our products, we work particularly closely with our supply chain and logistics partners. We want projects to proceed with confidence, even during periods of wider market uncertainty.

However, it falls on everybody to play their part in avoiding supply chain issues.

For example, when market uncertainty is likely to cause price rises, it can be tempting to over-order products to take advantage of existing pricing. However, that kind of stockpiling increases pressure on the supply chain and makes the kind of forward planning we have just described harder.

We all want to try and achieve certainty where we can control it. Pricing projects in advance is a difficult art – freight costs won’t be known, for example – so trying to avoid price rises is understandable.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that everybody is facing the same pressures, and that we can all contribute to managing the difficult times we face as an industry.

Ultimately, managing construction projects when global unrest is causing uncertainty comes down to relationships. When engagement and communication are prioritised, it allows us as a manufacturer to plan ahead and mitigate impacts as best as possible.

The foundations for successful project delivery are laid in the design and specification stages.

Responsible manufacturers ensure their product information is accessible and accurate – including through having products assessed under the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI). They also update it in response to new regulations, product developments and changes in installation practice.

That makes it all the more concerning when older specifications appear in new projects because they have simply been copy and pasted.

Specifications need to evolve as well, to make sure they are deliverable once projects reach site. That’s why we’re encouraging specifiers and contractors to check and, where necessary, update project specifications and standard details. If you need support with reviewing and updating, our technical team are only a phone call away.

Find out more: https://proctorgroup.com/all-products