MMS: A materials management system

The contractor's ability to manage the flow of materials has a great impact on the profitability of the firm. MMS has been developed and is presented in this article: it is an effective, practice-oriented, and automated materials management system. MMS consists of ten modules: (1) project information module, (2) vendor information module, (3) product master list module, (4) reference numbers and description module, (5) bid quantities module, (6) materials ordered module, (7) materials received and invoice verification module, (8) materials used module, (9) submittals management module, and (10) report generator module. The data entered through the first nine modules is accessed through the report generator module to produce the appropriate reports necessary to make effective management decisions and to keep abreast of daily activities. MMS was developed in conjunction with three competent local general contractors (ENR-rated top 400 contractors), and is designed for small- to medium-sized general contractors and large subcontractors. The information retrieved from MMS can be used by estimators, accountants, project managers, field engineers, and materials managers. Development, acceptance, and continued use of such systems should contribute to the efficiency and profitability of contractors.