HOW PORTABLE STORAGE SERVES MULTIPLE NEEDS ON A CONSTRUCTION JOB SITE

Transcription

1 HOW PORTABLE STORAGE SERVES MULTIPLE NEEDS ON A CONSTRUCTION JOB SITE

2 Portable storage plays a crucial role on a construction job site. It enables effective supply chain management, on-time project completion within budget, and worker safety and productivity, not to mention peace of mind. Yet some general and sub-contractors fail to realize or optimize the value of this affordable and agile way to manage construction site storage requirements. Construction project managers and contractors who engage a reliable portable storage vendor early in the planning process, incorporate long-term plans, and lease the correct container sizes and quantity are able to maximize their use of versatile storage options and reduce the potential for challenges like delayed starts, project interruptions, missing supplies, and theft to occur. It s important to know that all storage containers are not created equal, and a failure to be proactive, plan properly and identify the best supplier forces many contractors into a sub-par solution that can diminish the potential for better job site performance. The reason for this is because they think of portable storage as a commodity and afterthought vs. taking into consideration its many capabilities to mitigate the common challenges that unnecessarily cause contractors frustration. Failing to account for job site storage requirements during a project s initial planning stages can lead to: Delayed starts and project interruptions (which leads to missed completion deadlines). Missing or misplaced supplies and equipment (which causes inefficiency an reduces productivity). Increased potential for theft and vandalism of valuable materials (which leads to budget over-runs and missed deadlines again). PREPARE FOR THE RIGHT STORAGE DECISION AVAILABILITY, TYPE, SECURITY AND TIMING MATTER All types of construction projects require a contractor to organize either a small or large team s efforts over several weeks, months and sometimes years. Multiple sub-contractors come and go from the job site during multiple project phases. Given this, it s easy to see how portable storage can improve a job site s efficiency regardless of its scope or duration because storage containers allow all subcontractors to keep their critical equipment and materials securely stored nearby, protected from the weather and vandals, and provide for safe and controlled yet easy access as a project progresses.

3 Forward-thinking contractors see portable storage as indispensable, but understand this crucial tool also requires some thoughtful decision-making. Problems typically begin when a contractor recognizes the need for portable storage after a construction project is already underway. It s never too late to add a storage container to a job site, but many suppliers operate only locally and so their fleets are comprised of limited container types which can make it difficult to source the specific types and sizes when and where they re needed. Because construction projects operate under tight budgetary and schedule constraints, any slowdown in procuring storage can lead to costly delays. Even if a local provider is able to swiftly provide containers, they may not offer the types that are best suited for a job site s unique size, scope and requirements. Simply having storage on-site is a step in the right direction, but the right sizes and quantity of containers with specific types of door configurations that are ideal for specific access purposes can greatly increase efficiency. Construction site theft results in substantial monetary damages and scheduling complications that impact a project s overall profitability and completion deadline. Contractors who source portable storage at the last minute may be unable to find the right storage containers they need to achieve these efficiencies. Portable storage container security features should also be taken into consideration. The enhanced convenience of being able to store equipment and supplies on-site can make a construction site a target for thieves. Construction equipment is commonly sold on the black market, and 62 percent of equipment stolen from construction sites is never recovered. 1 Construction site theft results in substantial monetary damages and scheduling complications that impact a project s overall profitability and completion deadline. Unfortunately, many portable storage options feature lackluster security features thieves can circumvent. Light-weight containers constructed of wood or aluminum with subpar door-locking systems are vulnerable to thieves and vandals. OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES The types of potential problems associated with portable storage solutions are easy to mitigate, and supply chain/efficiency-minded contractors who avoid the common pitfalls will discover that portable storage options are an indispensable part of their project plan.

4 The key is contacting a supplier early to arrange for storage unit delivery. If the need for portable storage is addressed during a project s initial planning stages, contractors can anticipate their workers needs and ensure storage arrives in accordance with a project s overall schedule and budget. This will also give them time to work with their supplier to order storage containers best suited for the expected work environment and items that need to be stored. Contractors should also consider the size/ footprint of their storage supplier. Smaller, local companies may not have the capacity to immediately dispatch additional storage containers if a worksite s requirements change mid-project. Contractors who deal with a company that has a national reach (like Mobile Mini) can enjoy the peace of mind provided by an expansive network of branches, thousands of containers to choose from, and fast delivery by a staff of professional, trained and licensed drivers. It s challenging to eliminate the risk of theft entirely, but contractors should focus on portable storage options that feature strong security measures. Many storage containers feature external latching mechanisms and locks. However, external security systems give thieves a way to compromise the container s security and access the assets inside. Contractors who want the efficiency gains provided by portable storage with a minimized theft risk should invest in containers that feature advanced security, including internal locking mechanisms. Contractors who want the efficiency gains provided by portable storage with a minimized theft risk should invest in containers that feature advanced security, including internal locking mechanisms. Systems such as the patented Tri-Cam and ContainerGuard locking systems available through Mobile Mini provide security that exceeds that of other providers. For instance, the Tri-Cam lock utilizes six tumblers and a unique design making it particularly tamper-resistant. HOW PORTABLE STORAGE FACTORS INTO A CONSTRUCTION JOB SITE There are countless ways to use portable storage containers on a construction site, but a few stand out. A secure and trustworthy portable storage solution allows contractors to store valuable items on-site where preauthorized workers can access them quickly and easily. The efficiency gains from being able to keep expensive supplies and equipment close at hand cannot be overstated. Along those lines, portable storage makes it feasible to keep costly materials on the worksite throughout the entire project.

5 Statistically, 57 percent of construction workers time is wasted traveling to retrieve, waiting to receive or trying to find equipment. 2 Contractors who take advantage of portable storage will find they re easily able to stay within deadlines and under budget. Of course, thieves aren t the only threat to high-value items kept on a job site. Inclement weather can damage equipment and cause costly delays. Portable storage containers provide steadfast protection from external weather conditions and can be used as onsite workshops that allow workers to continue progressing on certain parts of a project despite inclement conditions. Beyond protecting physical items, portable storage enhances worker safety on a job site. Disorganization and confusion lead to delays as well as mistakes, and mistakes can quickly lead to injuries when construction equipment is involved. With portable storage, it s easier to organize a job site for both safety and efficiency. Materials are where they re supposed to be and accessible only to those who know how to deal with them. An often under-stated safety feature is the operational ease of opening and closing a container door. They re not all the same, and those that are not designed well are very difficult to open and can cause worker injuries. Some storage units, like those from Mobile Mini, offer one-handed door operation and other features that make it easier to open/unlock and close/lock container doors, thereby minimizing the potential for worker injury. All these storage options allow contractors to adhere to on-site safety standards, while also helping with regulatory-driven mandates like OSHA compliance and document protection. Keeping certain types of supplies and equipment locked and out of harm s way to those who shouldn t have access to them assists compliance with OSHA regulations.

6 In addition, plenty of paperwork accompanies the heavy lifting that takes place during construction, and it s important to ensure these documents are properly secured. Portable storage is a viable document protection/storage solution. set of similar experiences. Surveys indicate that 67 percent of contractors give up when they can t speak with a vendor s staff on the phone. 3 Mobile Mini s phone staff is always ready to speak with a contractor and address their needs. SELECTING A PROVIDER Practically any construction project can benefit from portable storage integration, but contractors and project managers should spend time selecting a provider that best suits their needs. The confidence provided by a company whose containers feature extra security measures and who is also easy to do business with should not be under-estimated. Contractors who don t place a value on these important factors typically regret their decision. Job site efficiency gains are not only possible, but to be expected, when a variety of door configurations and sizes are available, and it helps to work with a company that can dispatch new units as a construction project evolves over time. With that in mind, welltimed delivery and pick-up options are a must for improved job site efficiency, and contractors should partner with companies that have an established history of reliable customer service. The best storage providers are skilled consultants who can evaluate a worksite s needs and help the decision-maker choose the most efficient route to success based on a vast Practically any construction project can benefit from portable storage integration, but contractors and project managers should spend time selecting a provider that best suits their needs. INNOVATIVE OPTIONS Contractors can leverage high-security, steel storage container durability in several ways. Because they re portable, it s possible to use a single container across several jobs. Contractors can work out agreements that keep the storage unit on the original job site for the duration of the project so they re transferrable and available to multiple subcontractors as new phases of the project begin. Many businesses benefit from on-site storage after construction is complete. Examples include hotels, retail stores, healthcare facilities, office buildings, and other business. It s possible for the contractor to transfer the storage units to the building s owners.

7 PORTABLE STORAGE MAKES BUSINESS SENSE All of this information should demonstrate that contractors who want their projects to run as smoothly as possible should integrate portable storage into their business plans from the beginning. A failure to investigate storage options can create inefficiencies that cause delays, safety issues, and unbudgeted expenses for equipment and supply replacement costs. The unequivocal benefits of portable storage are evident even in the simplest cost-benefit sense. Much of the equipment on a job site is subject to theft or environmental damage, and contractors who fail to secure it adequately risk their project s overall profitability. Mistakes on a job site that lead to safety problems or delays could impact a contractor s chances for future business. Weighed against these risks, the relatively minimal cost of highquality portable storage is worthwhile. Portable storage solutions enable contractors to proactively address many of the common construction site issues that are easily avoidable. KEY TAKE-AWAYS: 1. Source portable storage containers early in the project planning process. 2. Conduct some research to find a reputable provider with a variety of container sizes and types in their fleet who can deliver them when and where they re needed. 3. Pay attention to the construction of the container and avoid those made of easily compromisable material like wood or aluminum. 4. Consider the value of high-security door-locking systems as an investment not just in peace of mind, but also to avoid the much higher costs of material replacement and projects delays. 5. Place emphasis on all aspects of safety from how and where containers are placed on the job site to easy opening doors. 6. Don t underestimate the value of a provider who is easy to do business and has significant construction site experience.

8 SOURCES: 1 Theft of Construction Equipment: A Thriving Criminal Business, The Lojack Corporation Study on Construction Equipment Theft, Rethinking Wrench Time: Don t Blame the Workers, ENR.com, Global Customer Service Barometer, Research Report Prepared for American Express by ECHO, 2011 To learn how Mobile Mini can help you boost job site efficiency on your next construction project, contact us at Visit is on the web at