When supply chains everywhere were grinding to a halt, Skanska didn’t just survive—they adapted and kept projects moving forward. And a lot of that came down to smart decision-making and the right tools to back them up.
We caught up with Rob Contando from Skanska’s national supply chain team at Empower 2024, where he shared how they’ve been navigating the chaos. With over 25 years of experience in industries like automotive and telecom, Rob has seen his fair share of supply chain challenges—and he’s not one to back down from a tough situation.
From getting manufacturers on board early to leveraging Quickbase for real-time visibility, Rob walked us through the strategies that kept Skanska ahead of the curve, even when things got rocky.
The Challenge: Adapting to a New Reality
Handling large-scale construction projects is Skanska’s bread and butter, but even they were hit hard by supply chain disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic only made things worse, with delivery delays and material costs spiraling out of control. Before the pandemic, Skanska relied on old-school methods like spreadsheets and file-sharing tools for supply chain management. They got the job done back then, but those tools just couldn’t keep up with the new level of complexity construction projects were facing.
The Shift: Rethinking Supply Chain Strategy
When Skanska realized their old methods just weren’t cutting it anymore, they knew it was time for a radical change. Instead of sticking to the status quo, they decided to bring manufacturers into the mix right from the get-go. This way, manufacturers could share useful insights during the design stage, making sure materials and equipment fit the project perfectly from day one.
Their hands-on approach really changed things. There were fewer last-minute changes, costs went down, and new solutions fit into their projects more smoothly. Both sides gained from this partnership: manufacturers got a clearer picture of what Skanska needed, and Skanska got access to high-quality products and solutions.
Customizing Processes for Unique Projects
Each construction project comes with its own set of requirements—be it sustainability goals, energy needs, or local regulations. Skanska recognized the need for a tailored approach rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. For instance, some projects required all-electric power, while others needed to meet specific sustainability certifications.
Skanska kept a close eye on each project's progress and made sure manufacturers were in the loop about key milestones. This proactive communication helped manufacturers adjust their products or methods to fit each project’s unique needs, leading to better quality results and on-time finishes.
Skanska’s Secret to Slashing Costs and Boosting Performance
Back in 2017, Skanska changed things up and started using Quickbase. Instead of relying on spreadsheets and file-sharing tools, they moved everything to Quickbase. This change really revolutionized how they handled project information, putting all the important stuff—like drawings, specs, and schedules—into a single, easy-to-access platform.
Switching tools wasn't just for the sake of it; it was to boost efficiency and teamwork. Quickbase became a game changer for manufacturers, making it simpler to stay involved. Its automated notifications on project milestones and needs kept everyone informed, cutting down on manual check-ins and keeping updates prompt.
Navigating COVID-19 Disruptions
The pandemic really messed up supply chains, making material lead times a guessing game and pushing prices way up. Skanska had to find a way to handle these problems efficiently. Quickbase stepped in with a handy lead time dashboard that gave real-time updates straight from the manufacturers.
Take switchgear, for instance—a crucial component that controls, protects, and isolates electrical equipment. During the pandemic, its lead times shot up from 18-24 weeks to a staggering 65-80 weeks. Skanska used its lead time dashboard to quickly adapt to these changes, manage project schedules, and tweak plans as necessary. Having up-to-the-minute info helped lessen the blow of these delays and kept projects moving forward.
The Positive Impact
Thanks to Quickbase, Skanska’s manufacturers and suppliers are enjoying a whole new level of efficiency. The lead time dashboard, now part of their Power BI toolkit, has become a game-changer for managing project schedules. With real-time insights, communication flows better, which means fewer last-minute scrambles.
Manufacturers love the clarity Quickbase brings to the table. Automated alerts and centralized information keep everyone in the loop, making projects smoother and collaboration easier. These improvements have not only boosted productivity but have also helped Skanska position itself for sustained growth in a competitive market.
Adapting to the New Normal
As the industry faces a new reality, Skanska has adapted by using Quickbase to tackle evolving challenges head-on. Elevated prices and long lead times for certain materials are still hurdles, but Skanska has shifted its focus to value engineering—finding smart ways to manage budgets without compromising on quality.
Quickbase plays a key role here, allowing manufacturers to suggest cost-saving solutions directly within the platform. This keeps the process agile, helping Skanska make quick adjustments while staying on track with project goals and client expectations.
