Most automobiles and consumer goods that you use are made using DfMA. DfMA is catching on in modern methods of construction (MMC), thanks to modular construction’s assembly-line approach. But what is it, after all?
Simply put, DfMA is a design method that simplifies production and assembly of factory-manufactured goods—ultimately reducing time, waste, cost, and labor, while increasing quality and efficiency.
Prefabricated components reduce on-site work and coordination, resulting in fewer roadblocks.
Fewer components and simplified operations bring down project complications.
A factory-controlled environment reduces work-related hazards compared to a traditional construction site.
Optimized labor, material, and coordination save time and money.
Smartly chosen materials and precise quantities help reduce construction waste.
and faster turnaround time
and viability
Over the past two decades, the construction sector’s annual productivity growth has merely increased 1% on average compared to 3.6% for the manufacturing industry.1 An efficiency boost has become crucial for this trillion-dollar industry in this day and age.
Good news is, industrialized construction is quickly emerging as a winning method to build. So, every developer should understand and make the most of it.
1. McKinsey & Company
DFM deals with choosing the most cost-effective materials and processes to simplify operations.
DFA is a product designing approach that ensures smooth and easy assembly of products—while reducing assembly costs and minimizing operations.
For an industry as fragmented and antiquated as construction, a streamlined methodology is a welcome approach. DfMA can be achieved through BIM, which is already a powerful medium to collaborate, manage, and visualize a project.
BIM’s involvement also means that all project parties—including the architect, engineer, modular manufacturer, contractor, and developer—know the exact details of the project.
It’s best to adopt DfMA (and hence, modular construction) early in the design stage—as this article explores in detail.