Innovating Construction Supply Chains for Sustainability: Lessons from Aerospace

Abstract

This study investigates how the aerospace industry's Concurrent Engineering (CE) practices can be used to improve construction supply chain efficiency, integration, sustainability, and intelligence. CE is a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that allows simultaneous product and process development. It provides a framework for proactive, integrated supply chain management (SCM) that promotes innovation, resource optimisation, and reduced environmental impact, making construction supply chains sustainable and smart. Mixed-methods research included quantitative survey data from construction experts with qualitative interviews from six large South African construction projects. The survey found various CE enablers relevant to construction, including functional knowledge, shared product ownership, optimal resource utilisation, and increased communication and problem-solving. Interview data supported quantitative outcomes by emphasising early supplier participation, adaptive scheduling, collaborative decision-making, and continuous improvement. Construction can learn from aerospace by using CE supply chains with multidisciplinary teamwork, early supplier-contractor integration, and shared accountability for project outcomes as key themes. These strategies reduce waste and promote data-driven decision-making to improve project efficiency and sustainability. The paper provides a systematic framework for using CE principles in construction SCM to promote sustainability and innovation.