Control Tower Approach to Improve Urban Construction Logistics

In many countries the construction industry is responsible for much of freight transport and emissions. In recent years, insight has been gained into the application of various logistics solutions, which have often proven to be successful in reducing construction transport movements and emissions in and around cities. Further steps could be taken to advance information exchange and supply chain collaboration in construction logistics. Supply chain control towers have been deemed to improve supply chain management in individual construction projects, as well as on an area level including multiple projects and supply chains. The goal of this research has been to lay the foundations and demonstrate the added value of applying the concept of the Construction Logistics Control Tower (CLCT) in urban construction logistics. The research has investigated how CLCTs can help to exchange data and information effectively in order to improve decision making, and reduce negative effects of construction transport. First a stakeholder analysis looked into the motivations of stakeholders in applying CLCTs. Workshops and surveys provided insight into individual motivations of stakeholders. Preferably stakeholders appreciated insight into the current state of affairs and to use this information to improve logistics efficiency, for a better financial return individually. On the other hand there was appreciation among stakeholders also for CLCTs that are area-oriented and of general use for all. A case study among selected stakeholders focused on optimizing logistics and applying centralised control by analysing and integrating the logistics of simultaneous construction projects in the centre of Amsterdam. The study demonstrated the added value of centralised logistics management to reduce transport movements for the construction projects, optimize resource usage, and improve the logistics management of the projects.