The role of purchasing in raising the maturity of smart maintenance management
Koos Johannes, Hans Voordijk and Guillermo Aranda-Mena
About the main author
Koos Johannes earned his PhD in Construction Management from the University of Twente in January 2023, focusing on client-led innovation in smart building maintenance. This research sheds light on the challenges construction clients face in implementing smart maintenance, driven by a lack of understanding of institutional complexities. Koos identifies tensions within and between organisations involved in maintenance services and highlights the need for new leadership approaches and capabilities to address these challenges. His work also introduces a framework with eight dimensions and 23 sub-dimensions to enhance clients' smart maintenance management capabilities.
Short abstract
This study explores how the purchasing function can enhance the maturity of smart maintenance management (SMM) among construction clients. It employs a multiple-case research design, analysing data from four higher education institutes in the Netherlands to assess current SMM maturity and develop an adapted service triad for purchasing involvement in SMM. Findings reveal the need for improved collaboration among maintenance management, project management, and ICT services within client organisations. The proposed service hexad redefines roles to foster collaboration and advance SMM maturity. Implementing the service hexad strengthens clients' positions in supply networks and emphasises data supply responsibilities in construction management. While the study focuses on higher education institutes with owner-occupied properties, further research is needed to explore its applicability to other property types. This research contributes by integrating concepts from purchasing literature into the realm of SMM. Keywords: construction clients, asset management, facilities management, real estate, maturity assessment, multiple case study, service triads, collaboration.
Extended abstract
In construction, effective maintenance management plays a pivotal role in ensuring the sustainability and longevity of buildings. This practitioner-oriented guide aims to elucidate key strategies to enhance Sustainable Maintenance Management (SMM) by integrating procurement into the process. Construction clients can significantly bolster their maintenance practices by assessing the current state of SMM maturity and advocating for a collaborative approach.
Key Strategies:
1. Assessing SMM Maturity: Begin by evaluating the current maturity level of SMM within construction clients. This assessment provides a baseline for improvement efforts and helps identify areas for enhancement.
2. Developing an Adapted Service Triad: Construct an adapted service triad tailored for procurement's meaningful involvement in SMM. This triad fosters collaboration between maintenance management, project management, and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) services, optimising maintenance practices.
3. Implementing the Service Hexad Framework: Embrace the service hexad framework to redefine SMM roles and foster collaboration among professional interest groups. This approach facilitates the transition to higher levels of SMM maturity and empowers construction clients within supply networks.
Main Contributions:
- Development of an adapted service triad for procurement's meaningful involvement in SMM.
- Identification of maturity stages for each of the 23 dimensions in the SMM maturity model.
- Insight into contemporary procurement practices and the value of innovation in construction.
- Practical framework for collaboration among professional interest groups to enhance SMM.
- Exploration of Business-to-business (B2B) services and triadic relationship management mechanisms.
Practical Implications:
Implementing the service hexad framework bridges the gap between theory and practice in construction. By fostering collaboration among professional interest groups, this framework facilitates the creation of innovative practices and improves SMM, particularly in multi-user properties. However, further research is necessary to address contractual complexities and behavioural changes associated with digitalisation in construction.
Conclusion:
By integrating procurement into SMM practices through collaborative frameworks and assessments, construction clients can elevate the sustainability and efficiency of maintenance operations. Embracing these strategies empowers practitioners to navigate the complexities of modern construction and ensure the longevity of built assets.
Additional/further reading
· Link to the article (open access): https://ris.utwente.nl/ws/files/303602129/Author_Accepted_Manuscript.pdf
· LinkedIn: Click this link
· Website: https://www.utwente.nl/en/bms/el-ips/