OSM Readiness Tool

The OSM Readiness Tool (V1.0) was developed in response to a request by industry partners, SBEnrc Project 2.2 Offsite Fabrication. The problem identified was: 'What will enable us to determine if Off-Ssite Manufacture (OSM) is suitable for a building project?' International studies indicate that benefits are accrued if OSM is considered at early stages and incorporated into the design. Successful OSM adoption can be increased though planning and engagement with all OSM stakeholders throughout the entire building process. Having OSM capability and capacity information available will assist the project team with decision-making concering adopting an OSM procurement model. Timing of the decision to adopt an OSM procurement model effects project outcomes: Early adoption of the OSM procurement model, with input from a wide variety of OSM stakeholders, is considered the low risk option. A high level of stakeholder engagement provides information concerning the availability of essential OSM capability and capacity. Expertise, from a wide range of stakeholders, supports integration of OSM into the total project at the Arrange Team stage. Adopting OSM at the Tendering stage could mean additional delays for delivery and possible problems with integrating OSM specifications into the Shop Drawings. Adopting an OSM procurement strategy after the Detail Design is completed can benefit a building project, but the benefits afforded by early AEC knowledge sharing relationships will be limited, thus constraining the effectiveness of an OSM procurement model indicating a medium level of risk. Adopting OSM at the Construction stage of a project is always an option. But, the lack of early project team planning and engagement will certainly mean delays and difficulty with on-site installation. Thus, late adoption of an OSM procurement model is considered a high risk delivery strategy.