The healthcare construction supply chain is still struggling to recover from the pandemic’s disruption, leading to significant delays and cost increases for key products and equipment. In response, construction managers must adapt their strategies to navigate this challenging environment.
Engage early with healthcare clients
Early engagement between design and construction teams has become essential due to long lead times. Construction managers must prioritize and track lead times for different materials and equipment, utilizing industry conferences and networking to stay informed.
Pre-purchase construction materials when possible
A modified procurement strategy, pre-purchasing allows for early acquisition of specialized equipment to expedite the process. This approach was successfully used in a 200,000-square-foot outpatient complex in Manhattan, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing procurement challenges.
Importance of construction managers on healthcare projects
By implementing these measures, construction managers can effectively manage longer lead times and drive solutions to streamline the process. They play a critical role in maintaining relationships with suppliers, educating clients, and overcoming procurement challenges in healthcare construction projects.
Brian Marman is project executive, New York construction, at Lendlease (New York), and can be reached at brian.marman@lendlease.com.
