The relationship between equipment hirers and suppliers go beyond the signed contract. Project managers have the responsibility to nurture their organisation’s relationship with their plant or equipment suppliers since this will help in the timely completion of a construction project and a good relationship between the two parties could help reduce the risks of a misunderstanding.
Managing external equipment or plant hire can be a handful at times since it’s another added team to manage, but it can be easily done with strategic effort from project managers and their internal team.
So how can you effectively manage an external hire? Here are a few quick tips to help you out.
As project managers, you have to have an open line of communication between you and your external team. Make sure that your external team are all across the scope of the project, and any other pertinent details. You have to give them sufficient information and knowledge about the project they are about to engage in, just as you would for your internal team. Having an open line of communication will also reduce the risks of committing mistakes on their part.
Just as you would praise your internal team for a job well done, your externally hired team also need that boost. Give your hired excavator’s operator a pat on the back every once in a while to let them know that they have been doing a great job on your project.
Remember, the external team is an extension of your in-house team, so treat them as if they were your own.
Make sure you cover all issues, concerns and added information on your toolbox talk with your entire construction team – including your external team – to make sure that they are all across what’s happening to the project they are working on. Download and customise the Toolbox Talk Agenda we have created below to ensure that you have everything covered for your next team meeting.
Are you starting your own plant and equipment hire business? Or are you looking to growing your fleet? If a resounding YES! was your asnwer, there's a few factors for you to consider. Think of buying equipment in the same way you'd buy your family car - you want the very best features (safety first, capabilities, technology, fuel efficiency etc) for the most reasonable price. So before you buy a piece of equipment (new or used), check out the 5 tips below to help you find the right equipment, dealer and price.
The Northern Territory Government is proceeding to the select tender process for the new Department of Health (DoH) headquarters.
Projects are time sensitive and various factors can influence their deadlines. Working within a time restriction can cause a project manager to rethink their approach and determine their ability to deliver when under pressure. A fast track project is not achievable for all businesses and when accepting a contract for a fast track project it's important to be prepared in order to ensure you have the capabilities and resources to get the job done.
Formerly known as the PlantMiner blog, Felix Project News is Australia's top 10 Construction blog.
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