Materials management and logistics
Over-purchase of materials and unnecessary deliveries can have a major impact on the resource consumption of a site. There are a number of steps a company can take to reduce wastage.
- Don't buy materials ‘just-in-case'. Remember that bulk buying discounts won't necessarily represent a cost saving if materials are wasted, particularly if there is a cost associated with their disposal.
- Plan deliveries to minimise journeys. This will help the environment, and save on fuel bills.
- Train staff to be environmentally conscious when placing orders - you should reap a cost saving as well as reducing waste.
- Adopt ‘just-in-time' techniques. If materials spend less time lying on site, they're less likely to be damaged, lost or stolen.
Reducing journey numbers makes particular sense when you consider that you are not only saving fuel, but vehicle wear and tear as well.
