8:00 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Enabling On-Time, Damage-Free Delivery
8:10 am Panel Discussion: Addressing Supply Chain Disruptions & Alternative Materials to Enable On-Time Project Delivery
Synopsis
• Navigating tariff changes and pricing renegotiations of key materials to protect budgets and maintain steady material flow into your shop
• Evaluating alternative sourcing strategies and materials to minimize disruption and ensure uninterrupted supply chain flow
• Preparing flexible shipping methods to reduce the financial impact of port and rail strikes
8:50 am Optimizing Panel Size & Shipping Logistics to Enable Cost-Effective Transportation & Protect Assemblies for Damage-Free Delivery
Synopsis
• Adjusting panel sizes and packaging to optimize transportation logistics and reduce shipping costs across various methods of transport
• Developing flexible panel size standards that meet both transportation constraints and project-specific design requirements
• Exploring innovative strategies for protecting prefabricated panels during loading and unloading to minimize damage
10:00 am Morning Refreshments
Facilitating Smooth Onsite Operations
10:40 am Building Aligned Schedules to Optimize Workflow Efficiency & Enable Smooth Material Flow to the Jobsite
Synopsis
• Aligning production schedules with project timelines to ensure timely delivery without excess storage requirements
• Leveraging advanced scheduling tools to create seamless coordination between prefabrication, delivery, and jobsite readiness across multiple subcontractors, even when unexpected changes occur
• Improving onsite sequencing and efficient space utilization to ensure a smooth transition from delivery to installation
11:20 am Coordinating the Level of Finish Applied in the Shop vs Field to Enhance Durability & Longevity of the Final Product
Synopsis
• Discussing the performance variability of different systems when applied in the shop vs the field to establish some industry standardization
• Ensuring clear guidance on finish application procedures across shop and field teams to ensure consistent quality and reduce the risk of defects
• Identifying key factors that affect finish quality during installation and how to mitigate these challenges to ensure long-term durability
12:00 pm Case Study: Leveraging Innovative Joint Sealant Solutions to Ensure Fully Weatherproof Facades
Synopsis
• Improving detailing and sealing practices to ensure moisture resistance and maintain aesthetic continuity
• Identifying the potential for integrated or post-installed joint systems to improve watertightness
• Facilitating industry collaboration to develop and implement more efficient joint sealing methods
12:40 pm Lunch Break
Shaping the Future of Prefabrication Efficiencies
1:40 pm Implementing an Effective Hiring, Training, & Career Progression Program to Address Labor Shortages & Set Apart Your Firm’s Capabilities
Synopsis
• Building effective internal training programs to equip employees with the skills to adapt to various tasks within the prefab process
• Leveraging immigration programs to bring skilled tradespeople from overseas to fill essential roles
• Creating clear career progression pathways within the company to retain skilled workers, motivate employees, and ensure long-term growth
2:20 pm Audience Discussion: Navigating Union Requirements to Balance Cost Efficiency With Quality of Labor
Synopsis
- Establishing clear communication and agreements with unions to ensure all parties are on board for prefab success
- Addressing workforce training and certification requirements to meet expectations for union labor in the shop
- Exploring opportunities to integrate unskilled labor into prefabrication workflows while maintaining quality and productivity
3:00 pm Panel Discussion: Utilizing Feedback Loops to Enhance Panel Quality & Drive Innovation for Future Prefabrication Projects
Synopsis
• Implementing feedback loops to enable continuous improvement of panel design through insights from both the shop floor and on-site
• Harnessing cross-functional perspectives to verify innovation in panel fabrication techniques and ensure they meet evolving industry standards and client needs
• Leveraging post-project reviews and performance analysis to refine panel design and production processes for greater efficiency and long-term project success