Supplier selection process in an integrated construction materials management model

• Model for the efficient procurement of construction materials
• Key contribution is the supplier selection process.
• TOPSIS method and MATLAB programming language environment were used.
• Improved construction material management can be achieved using this model.

The procurement and management of construction materials involve challenges related to reducing inventory, speeding delivery, and increasing the control of materials, thus decreasing the overall project cost. The objective of this research was to define and develop an integrated construction materials management (ICMM) model to address these challenges by deploying principles of virtual inventory management, feasible materials management networks, and a supplier selection process. Contributions include the development of the ICMM model and the demonstrated potential of the selection supplier process for improving procurement for construction projects. The use of the supplier selection process has been demonstrated through implementation on an industrial project and using the TOPSIS (Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution) method. This process optimizes and validates purchasing at each stage of fabrication for each construction package. A variety of project-specific criteria are involved in the supplier selection process, including price, lead-time, cash rebate, and supplier performance.