If you’re in the construction industry, then you know it’s no surprise that modular building has made great strides in popularity over the years. With the ability to efficiently yield high quality products at a volumetric scale, the prefabricated construction market is expected to grow at a 7.1% CAGR through 2026 . In spite of this, however, lingering misconceptions around the specific details of the prefab process, such as shipping, can be enough to scare owners and developers away from going the modular route. One common, but outdated belief that can be put to rest is the idea that large-scale prefab projects somehow complicate shipping.

In fact, the opposite is true. By leveraging digital prefabrication’s technology and the collaborative process in the beginning design stages, large-scale projects can actually simplify shipping. For example, by using model-based sequencing, Digital Building works hand-in-hand with the general contractor to lay out an execution plan that maximizes schedule advantages in the delivery process. Once established, this sequencing plan becomes the basis for tracking digital fabrication delivery and installation, and is the model for optimizing bunking, trucking and logistics.

This was the case for a student housing project in Northern California, where contractors enlisted Digital Building with the task of fabricating 5,185 metal panels. With early collaboration to ensure contractors knew every aspect of the project, all manufacturing was completed at Digital Building’s factory in Phoenix, AZ, and then shipped and delivered on-time. That’s 144,000 miles and 206 oversized shipments, all on schedule. By eliminating any unknowns within the shipping process, Digital Building made it easy for the entire team to conquer the complexities of the congested campus setting and accomplish a successful install.

And to take this simplified process a step further, Digital Building has even created an app to help teams manage their project by tracking its progression from the factory through final installation. This app allows teams to visually sequence and order tasks to simulate and plan how panels are fabricated, stored and delivered for optimal efficiency.

By simplifying shipping and streamlining delivery for all involved parties, Digital Building is actively shifting the narrative and debunking myths surrounding prefabricated construction. If you’re interested in learning more about digital fabrication or have a large upcoming project that could benefit from this kind of dynamic process, get in touch at: Contact