In the construction industry, unexpected changes are not uncommon. From last-minute design adjustments to delays in material delivery or changes in weather conditions, projects rarely go exactly as planned from start to finish. However, what distinguishes a successful project from one that falls behind is the ability of teams to adapt quickly and mitigate the impacts of these changes on the schedule.
Main Causes of Delays in Design and Construction Projects
Delays in design and construction projects are usually due to a combination of factors. The most common causes include issues with predecessors’ activities, lack of coordination between different teams and trades, insufficient workforce, and delays in material delivery. Additionally, adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rains, and design changes during project execution can also affect the timeline.
At Hermosillo, we have developed a series of strategies and technologies that allow us to anticipate, adapt and minimize the impact of delays in our projects for the construction industry.
1. Initial Planning: Key to Success
Initial planning is one of the most critical factors for the success of any design and construction project. At Hermosillo, we understand that having a detailed schedule from the start, covering all phases of the project, is essential to anticipate risks and design strategies to address them effectively.
We apply the Lean Construction methodology and use tools like the Last Planner System (LPS). These help us create complete, realistic, and flexible schedules, enhance collaboration and productivity, and adapt to changes without significantly impacting the project’s schedule.
Proper initial planning allows us to measure progress in real-time, adjust strategies as needed, and maintain clear communication with clients. This minimizes surprises and ensures smoother project execution. This approach also optimizes financial, human, material, and equipment resources, reducing emergency purchases and avoiding downtimes and cost overruns.
It is key to involve the necessary teams (internal and external) in the initial planning and coordination processes and ensure that every stakeholder understands all task dependencies and interactions between the project’s activities. This not only fosters greater responsibility and commitment to the schedule but also helps align expectations among the different project’s stakeholders.
2. Use of Advanced Technologies
Today, technology plays a fundamental role in designing and constructing industrial and mixed-use projects and distribution centers. At Hermosillo, we utilize several digital tools to optimize project management and boost productivity:
- Building Information Modeling (BIM)This technology is crucial for visualizing the design and construction process. It allows the creation of 3D digital models that integrate both design and 4D (time) and 5D (cost) planning. With BIM, we can create a digital representation to identify and resolve interferences and issues before they impact the schedule.
- Collaborative platforms and cloud-based project management: Tools like Autodesk Construction Cloud, Trello, Asana, Monday.com, Miro, and Jira facilitate real-time collaboration between different project teams. These platforms allow task, deadline, and progress management visually and interactively, enhancing smooth communication and improving stakeholder coordination. Additionally, they offer features such as real-time asset tracking and schedule synchronization, helping reduce errors, potential risks, and misunderstandings.
- Lean Construction and Last Planner System (LPS): Although not a digital tool itself, Lean Construction methodology, when combined with digital platforms like Trello or Microsoft Project, can create a more efficient workflow. Using the Last Planner System within these platforms allows for weekly reviews and quick schedule adjustments, improving predictability and reducing the likelihood of delays.
- Electronic devices and on-site visualization: Tablets and other electronic devices in construction areas facilitate the visualization of blueprints, construction details, and digital models in real time. This gives teams immediate access to the technical information needed, allowing for faster decision-making and reducing response times to on-site issues.
- Augmented Reality (AR): Augmented reality allows users to visualize the planned scenarios on site prior to construction. This technology helps compare in real time what is being built with the proposed design, providing greater accuracy in construction and helping to anticipate and solve problems before they affect the schedule.
3. Continuous Training and a Culture of Collaboration
The success of a construction project depends not only on using the proper technological tools but also on the people behind them. At Hermosillo, we recognize that human resources are the most valuable asset in any project. That’s why we continuously invest in the training of our collaborators to ensure they are always up-to-date with the latest technologies and methodologies in the industry. This ensures that our teams can quickly adapt to changes and efficiently manage any challenge, positioning us at the forefront of the construction industry’s future.
Additionally, we promote a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. This philosophy allows us to work more fluidly, focusing on finding quick and practical solutions to any change. By involving all parties in the process, from clients to subcontractors, we ensure clear and constant communication that minimizes misunderstandings and speeds up decision-making.
To learn more about our interdepartmental collaboration spirit, read the first point in our blog post, “5 Reasons to Choose Hermosillo as Your General Contractor.”
4. Commitment to Transparency and Added Value
We are one of the most recognized and respected companies in the construction industry in Mexico and abroad. Our core values –quality, honesty, and integrity– are the foundation upon which we build our projects and long-term relationships with clients, partners, and suppliers.
At Hermosillo, our goal is not just to deliver projects on time and within budget, but to do so in a way that exceeds our customers’ expectations. Transparency and honesty are some of our key differentiators, essential for building strong and lasting relationships based on mutual trust.
Our client-focused approach also sets us apart. We maintain open and clear communication with our clients, explaining any challenges that may arise during the project and how we plan to overcome them. This ensures that all parties are aligned. Moreover, we strive to offer the highest level of respect and commitment throughout the organization, from our leadership team to the on-site staff.
Through continuous improvement and our ability to adapt to changing circumstances, we aim to add value at every step and ensure the success of our projects and relationships.
Conclusion
In the design and construction field, facing unexpected changes is inevitable. As an industry leader, we have developed strategies, from detailed initial planning to using advanced technologies like BIM and collaborative platforms. This ensures that our projects are delivered on time and with the added value our clients deserve.
Our commitment to continuous training and a culture of collaboration ensures that every team member is prepared to handle any challenge that arises during the construction process. Additionally, the transparency and honesty that characterize our relationships with customers, partners, and suppliers allow us to build the trust needed to guarantee success in every project.
At Hermosillo, we don’t just deliver projects—we build long-term relationships based on quality, respect, and integrity. This has positioned us as leaders in the construction industry in Mexico for over 60 years, and we continue to evolve to exceed our clients’ expectations.
