Comparison of two corporate constructability programs

In an attempt to formalize the integration of construction knowledge and experience into the planning and design phases, many organizations have developed constructability programs. For many such organizations, development of a formalized program is viewed as a work process. This paper presents a comparison of two formal corporate constructability programs. The first program is part of the construction division of a design/construct organization (constructor performed), while the second is within the project management group of an owner organization (owner performed). The attributes of the two formal programs are described and compared. Documented results regarding program performance including costs and benefits for both the corporate and project levels are provided. The constructor-performed program relates to the constructor functioning as both the facilitator and source of constructability. The owner-performed program, however, facilitates construction input by managing and tracking program progress while constructability input is provided through feedback from constructors, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and the owner’s field construction manager. Benefit/cost ratios for both programs show the potential return on investment in a formal program.