The efficiency of construction sites is created through smooth material flows and a clear division of labor. When logistics operate systematically, constructors can focus on their own work and schedules are kept. Posti offers the construction industry the overall responsibility for logistics that brings predictability, quality and measurable productivity to construction sites.
Article summary:
Centralising logistics with Posti clarifies roles and allows builders to focus on their core work.
Buffer storage, just‑in‑time deliveries and digital control make material flows predictable and keep the site running efficiently.
Outsourced logistics improves productivity, reduces costs and creates a measurable competitive advantage for construction projects.
The construction site is dependent on smooth logistics. When the right goods are in the right place at the right time, the construction site proceeds in a controlled manner. At many construction sites, logistics responsibilities are still dispersed, and managing the big picture takes time from construction.
Teemu Hiltunen, Head of Construction Logistics Services at Posti, sees the situation clearly: “The roles of construction and logistics should be separated more clearly. When logistics are managed by a partner specialized in them, construction professionals can focus on what they do best.”
Clear roles make work more efficient
At construction sites, a surprising amount of time is spent receiving, moving, searching for and waiting for materials. These tasks put a strain on supervisors and leave constructors less time to do the actual work. When the overall responsibility for logistics is centralized to one operator, the everyday operations at the construction site become clearer.
Posti takes care of the overall construction site logistics, interim storage and transport responsibly, manages operations with digital solutions and supports the main contractor in the preparation of logistics plans and the management of subcontractors. Construction site logistics, and just-in-time deliveries work as a whole, which means that materials arrive at the construction site systematically and schedules are kept. The service applies to all parties of the construction site and the supply chain which makes it a truly comprehensive solution.
“The logistics operator is responsible for material flows, and site management can focus on the quality assurance of construction,” says Hiltunen.
Outsourced logistics bring efficiency and predictability
The construction industry is affected by cost pressures, and improving profitability requires new ways to improve the efficiency of operations. One of the most effective ways is to outsource logistics to a competent partner.
"Well-planned and well-organized operations can save up to 25% of logistics costs. In reality, even greater benefits can be achieved if, for example, the lead time of work phases can be shortened, material waste can be reduced and delays and quality issues can be eliminated. When the hidden costs of logistics become visible, the project’s financial predictability improves,” says Hiltunen.
Construction is recovering from weak years. Even though the global situation continues to create uncertainty, there may even be a labor shortage and a shortage of skilled labor in the industry in the future. In this situation, the importance of efficient logistics services and clear roles is further emphasized.
Interim storage and just-in-time deliveries keep the construction site moving
Transport is an essential part of functional construction site logistics. Posti delivers materials to the construction site when they are needed. We use our own fleet, experienced drivers and national network. When transportation is controlled and predictable, the entire construction site stays on schedule.
Cramped construction sites, varying weather conditions and tight schedules make material logistics challenging. Posti’s interim storage model meets these challenges. Materials are first delivered to Posti’s warehouse, where they are checked, recorded and protected. If necessary, they are delivered to the construction site as set just-in-time deliveries when they are needed.
This operating model keeps the construction site clean and safe, as excess materials do not take up space or get exposed to weather conditions. At the same time, congestion and unnecessary moving are eliminated, and takt production runs as planned. Interim storage also enables combining transports, which reduces costs, traffic and emissions.
“When materials arrive at the construction site as planned, the work phases progress as agreed and the contractors’ work becomes significantly more efficient.”
Digital control makes logistics transparent
Construction logistics are not just physical moving. They are also information management. The digital systems used by Posti provide a real-time view of the supply chain. Inventory control, acknowledgements, timestamps and job booking can be monitored at the construction site. Deviations and transport damage, for example, are also recorded in the system, so that immediate action can be taken.
Hiltunen emphasizes the importance of information: "There is still room for improvement in the construction industry in terms of data models, standardization and the flow of information. It is important to us that information passes through the project's life cycle and between all partners. That is why we invest in digital solutions and integrations that make logistics transparent and predictable.”
When the flow of information works well, the supervisor doesn't need to call around or guess the status of shipments; instead, the situational picture can be seen in the systems. This reduces errors, speeds up decision-making and improves the transparency of the entire project.
A responsible partner with its own personnel
When a partner that uses their own personnel and complies with collective agreements operates at the construction site, the main contractor can be confident that the work is carried out in accordance with the principles of social responsibility. At Posti, this is reflected in practice in the way that we take care of our employees’ permits, competence and occupational safety. We also develop a strong occupational safety culture together with our partners.
“It is important to us that everyone is treated appropriately,” says Hiltunen.
Joint development takes projects further
Posti is not just a service provider, but a partner that develops operations together with the customer.
”Posti has a strong culture of joint development in logistics services. In addition to digitalization, work methods and flow are developed with the help of Lean methods, for example, in which we have strong expertise.”
“Developing construction logistics together with the customer creates solutions that serve every phase of the project and future construction sites. In this case, construction logistics are no longer just a support method but a real competitive advantage,” says Hiltunen.