IoT-based Inventory Control System Framework for Panelized Construction

Abstract

Modular construction and panelized construction have been promoted and recognized globally as advanced construction techniques. Not only have these construction methods been utilized in the oil and gas industry, but they have also successfully been introduced into the residential construction industry. In North America, the panelized construction technique has become popular particularly for wood-frame wall panels. However, although utilizing this advanced construction method can greatly improve the working environment and productivity, the conventional mentality in construction, which overlooks the value of an automated management system to support offsite prefabrication and onsite installation, hinders its potential. An Internet of Things (IoT)-based management system can capture all dynamic data in real time and effectively synthesize it along the supply chain associated with various types of resources. Eventually, with the assistance of a feature-based modeling method, IoT-based information collection can be merged into an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system. Although highly dynamic market demands result in continual changes in the production plan, schedule, and inventory levels, adopting an IoT-based system accounts for the dynamic changes characteristic of this advanced construction method in order to maximize production. Therefore, in this paper, a conceptual framework for an IoT-based inventory control system is proposed in order to enhance the production and satisfy Just-in-Time inventory principle. IoT-based real-time technology is introduced and the development of supportive software is described. Part of the proposed IoT-based inventory control system is implemented as a case study in a panelized construction manufacturing facility, ACQBUILT, Inc., based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.