Material productivity control

Material productivity is the efficiency with which construction materials are used; that is, the ratio of useful output (work completed) to the quantity of material consumed, including wastage. Higher material productivity means less waste, e.g. 1 m³ of masonry built with the standard number of bricks and mortar and not more.

Why material productivity control is necessary

• Materials are about 50–60% of the cost of a building, so small wastage gives large cost savings.
• It reduces wastage, theft, damage and over-ordering, so the budget is protected.
• It prevents shortage or delay in the schedule because stock levels are controlled.
• It keeps quality: correct mix, right grade and proper storage.
• It reduces rework and disposal cost and has less environmental impact.
• It gives a record against norms, which helps to compare actual with estimated consumption and to find the cause of overuse.
• It gives the client and contractor reliable data for payment, cost reports and future estimates.

Methods of control

1. Accurate quantity estimate and material schedules.
2. Purchase of the right quantity at the right time (EOQ, ABC analysis).
3. Correct storage and stacking, first-in first-out.
4. Issue by indent against requirement, with stock registers.
5. Comparison of actual use with standard consumption, and investigation of differences.
6. Reducing cutting wastes by standard sizes and prefabrication.
7. Security, supervision and training of workers.