GS1 barcoding standards help identify and track products through the supply-chain. These standards can be used to help improve accuracy and productivity in a range of industries, from food and drink to healthcare.
The construction industry can also benefit from adopting GS1 standards. Known as one of the least productive industries globally, construction businesses generally have a poor reputation for organisation, communication, and performance (McKinsey, 2017). It’s been suggested that improving procurement and supply-chain management, and adopting digital technology will help improve productivity by 50-60%.
Digitalisation
Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a key piece of construction software. GS1 standards are a necessary component of BIM for businesses that want to share information among stakeholders. By using a Global Trade Item Number (GTIN), physical construction products can be traced across the supply-chain, and provide all the necessary information about the product to help automate processes.
GTIN’s can be encoded into a 2D barcode, applied to, or engraved in the product. Additionally, construction locations can be identified by a Global Location Number (GLN) to ensure building materials end up in the right place.
Sustainability
Across the globe, the construction industry is known to use 40% of resources, produce 40% of waste, and consume 40% of energy. GS1 standards can help construction businesses identify which products were used for projects, making it easier to reuse, refurbish, and recycle building materials.
With more and more businesses shifting to employ sustainability practices, GTIN codes provide construction businesses with full visibility of the products, parts, and components used in building projects. This makes GTIN’s essential to any sustainability strategies used by the construction industry.
While improvements are already being made to promote sustainability in the construction industry, implementing GS1 standards can streamline sustainability processes whilst also enhancing efficiency in other business areas.
Visibility
By capturing necessary information about building products using a GTIN barcode, and holding that information in a master database that’s accessible by all relevant stakeholders, businesses can expand their brands’ visibility to include new construction partners and building projects. It also allows construction sites to expand their choice of products, extending their reach to new suppliers.
GS1 barcoding standards can benefit the construction industry in many ways, improving digitalisation, sustainability, and visibility.
If you would like advice on how to improve the tracking of materials in your construction business whilst using Sage financial products, please don’t hesitate to chat to us. Our team will be more than happy to offer advice, guidance, and further information. Just call us on 03300 245452 or email info@bitsystems.co.uk.
