7:00 am Registration & Networking
7:30 am Chair’s Opening Remarks
Data-Driven Continuous Improvement
7:40 am Tracking the Efficiency of Your Prefab Operations to Make Informed Decisions About Process Improvement
Synopsis
• Developing actionable strategies for gathering and analyzing production metrics, such as conducting time studies and productivity assessments, to enhance leaner, manufacturing-inspired processes
• Implementing seamless data collection processes within daily workflows to improve the consistency and accuracy of data entry
• Utilizing historical data on installation times to assess potential design improvements
8:20 am Harnessing Historical Data to Improve Accuracy of Estimates for Prefab Assemblies
Synopsis
• Evaluating how your approach needs to change to estimate prefab assemblies, and the average costings of common assemblies to help teams just starting out
• Developing a system to more accurately record labor hours for each assembly type and support the development of soft costs
• Leveraging historical data to anticipate potential challenges and mitigate risks in prefab assembly estimation
• Continuously normalizing real-time project data to optimize estimates over time
9:30 am Morning Refreshments
Maximizing Shop Shape & Resource
10:10 am Working with Vendors to Streamline Material Management & Ensure Maximum Efficiency of Space in Your Shop
Synopsis
• Evaluating the cost effectiveness of stocked inventory versus just-in-time procurementstrategies
• Working with project teams to understand requests for specialist equipment as early as possible to ensure timely and efficient delivery to the shop
• Partnering with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of materials and equipment for production need
• Considering digital inventory systems for improved material visibility and control
10:50 am Setting Up & Continuously Improving Agile Shop Workflows to Optimize Space Utilization & Produce Product at Scale
Synopsis
• Exploring how manufacturing approaches such as one-piece flow can be further utilised to streamline production lines through your facility
• Establishing a processes for continuous improvement to refine shop floor workflows and adapt to evolving project requirements and production demands
• Developing a stockpile of typical assemblies for future projects: How can you make this work from a logistical and cost allocation perspective?
12:00 pm Audience Discussion: Building the Workforce of the Future: How are Union & Non-Union Shops Tackling Lack of Skilled Staff?
Synopsis
Union Contractors Discussion
- Overcoming the pushback of union tradesmen that prefab takes away from them and their teams
- Advocating for flexibility in apprentice ratios to more effectively negotiate composite labor rates
- Tackling apprentice shortages by promoting more apprenticeship openings and flexible hiring practices within union guidelines to reduce dependence on higher-cost personnel
- Sharing successful approaches to rewarding employees for meeting attendance and productivity goals
Non-Union Contractors Discussion
- Discussing how prefabrication can support future workforce diversity and some of the more creative pools non-union contractors are tapping into to boost available talent
- Evaluating the pros and cons of recruiting for general manufacturing positions vs skilled electricians
- Investing in training and development initiatives for both new and existing employees to continue to grow and scale your workforce
12:30 pm Networking Lunch
1:30 pm Optimizing Packaging, Shipping & Transportation for Enhanced Project Performance & Cost Savings
Synopsis
• Exploring innovative methods for shipping and protecting everything from small widgets to complex conduit configurations and entire floor assemblies
• Packaging your assemblies in a logical order to help ease field logistics yet maximize space utilization on the truck
• Exploring reusable packaging solutions such as collapsible bins or plastic pallets to enhance efficiency without excessive expense
2:40 pm Supporting & Upskilling Field Teams to Quickly & Efficiently Install Prefab Assemblies
Synopsis
• Getting the model in the hands of the field worker to inform and guide installation accuracy
• Using the onsite presence of prefab foremen to demonstrate installation best practice and answer questions real time
• Implementing hands-on training sessions for field teams to familiarize them with prefab assemblies and installation techniques
• Utilizing digital tools and mobile applications to streamline communication and access to installation instructions remotely
3:20 pm Panel Exploring the Potential for Greater Product & Workflow Standardization to Maximize Speed & Cost Savings Across the Electrical Prefabrication Industry
Synopsis
• Maintaining a balance between standardized processes and the need for flexibility due to turnover of facility or project requirements
• Implementing quality control measures to ensure consistency and reliability in standardized processes
• How far will productization be possible and even the norm for electrical contractors of the future?