Construction Supply Chain Marketplace for Resource Matching
Solution Overview
Problem
The construction industry faces inefficiencies in matching construction supplies, equipment, and manpower due to lack of timely access, waste of resources, and communication challenges, leading to increased costs and delays.
Innovation Solution
A networked supply chain marketplace that allows construction entities to post 'Haves' and 'Needs' for resources, utilizing mobile computing devices and a server to facilitate communication, resource allocation, and calculation of material requirements, while ensuring only verified construction entities participate, reducing waste and improving resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If contractors manually search for construction materials and resources through traditional methods, then they can acquire necessary resources, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient leading to project delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile supply chain network marketplace as an intermediary platform that connects contractors with material suppliers, equipment owners, and subcontractors. This digital marketplace enables automated matching of resource demands with available supplies, eliminating the need for manual searching and negotiations while reducing time losses and improving resource acquisition efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If construction resources are transported over long distances without local matching, then materials can be delivered to sites, but transportation costs increase and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements location-based resource matching that identifies and prioritizes local suppliers, material sources, and equipment providers near construction sites. By geographically optimizing resource procurement, the system reduces transportation distances, minimizes diesel fuel consumption, and lowers environmental impact while maintaining reliable material delivery capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If excess construction materials are hauled to remote dump sites instead of being reused, then waste disposal is achieved, but resource waste increases and transportation costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a circular economy system within the construction industry by enabling the recovery and reuse of excess construction materials. The marketplace allows contractors with surplus materials to list them for redistribution to other projects that need those same materials, transforming waste disposal into a resource recovery opportunity and eliminating unnecessary transportation to dump sites.
4Adaptability or versatility
If contractors lack access to real-time information about available resources, then they can proceed with planning, but supply chain delays occur when materials are unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms through the mobile marketplace platform that continuously update contractors on the availability of construction materials, equipment, and labor resources. The system provides immediate notifications when requested resources become available, enables dynamic adjustment of procurement strategies, and ensures reliable timely access to materials while maintaining supply chain responsiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel networked supply chain marketplace system is described for managing construction resources employing a Server and a plurality of remote Mobile Computing Devices (“MCDs”). The system employs an advertising (Posting) function, private jobsite communication (Networking) function, and calculation tools. Construction entities (“Entities”) are ‘onboarded’ by providing information about their company, what construction resources they ‘Have’ to offer, and what construction resources that they ‘Need’. A graphical map interface selectively shows the locations of Entities, their ‘Haves’ and ‘Needs’, the jobsite location with additional information about each, including search analytics. Entities can Post their ‘Needs’. Other entities notify the Posting Entity of their ‘Haves’ that match the ‘Needs’ Posted. Optionally, a General Contractor in charge of completing the jobsite invites Entities into a private communication network for a jobsite to manage these entities. Unique tools are used to estimate the volume of various shapes to fill.