The key terms when we talk about prefabricated systems are efficiency and speed in the execution of the building works. Using the story of the three piglets as a metaphor and thread of the story in which the challenge was to build three houses efficiently and in the shortest possible time, we ask ourselves: what would have happened if instead of the options known to all in the story, any or all of them had opted for more efficient systems such as prefabrication?
This is a quick and fun look at the advantages of material specialization.
We all know the story of the three little pigs, and how each of them had to build his house in the shortest possible time with the knowledge and means each had, to save themselves from the big bad wolf. The story in itself shows us a reading of how the work and effort that we dedicate to that task will give us better results. But we could also elucidate another reading, if we take it to the current era of competitiveness of our companies: Not only is it worth the effort and dedication, but you also have to do it very well, in the least time available and at the lowest possible cost.
Pre-engineered systems focus on efficiency
Specialization allows us to find that person or company that can do that part of the process better, in less time, and at less cost than you. In this way, you contribute with what you can do better than others, in less time and at a lower cost. If we go back to the tale of the three little pigs, what would have happened if instead of putting each one on their own, the three of them had joined forces and had worked on what they do best?
For example: the mason pig, who was skilled with brickwork, would have been in charge of building the foundations and walls of the three houses; the carpenter pig would have placed all the reinforced structure and roofing; while the pig that worked the palm, would be in charge of building the best palm cover for each of the houses, taking advantage of the foundations and the structure of his brothers. Perhaps with this, they could have had 3 houses much more resistant and in a much shorter time than the individual efforts made. In this way, the tale of the wolf and the three little pigs would have been very different.
Take advantage of others’ advantages
What I mean by this is that many companies are specialists in areas and/or processes where they are very competitive and can manage tasks with lower costs and time than others. Pre-engineered building systems generate great savings in time and money in the execution of construction works, and provide a high-quality finish, which could hardly be achieved with traditional construction systems, most of them executed on the building site.
When we talk about pre-engineering systems or industrialized systems in the construction field, many companies see it as a threat to their traditional business. A big mistake. Pre-engineering systems allow us to acquire materials and construction systems from specialized companies that do it better than anyone while maintaining very high-quality standards. Local construction companies must understand that the contribution of qualified local labor for the assembly of such systems is essential in this process and that the more qualified and specialized they are, the greater the value they will bring to the execution.
Now imagine how the story would change if, in addition, the three little pigs had bought pre-industrialized houses, and perhaps even ended up selling another house to the wolf himself!
