Examination of the Shipbuilding Industry

The key differences between the construction industry and the shipbuilding industry are also believed to be the key enablers that allowed the ship building industry to excel. These key enablers were all classifieds as “hard” for the construction industry to adapt by the research team. These key enablers are: (RS232-1, p. 10)

1. One company owning all processes
2. High degree of design detail completion prior to construction
3. One manufacturing/assembly location
4. Design rules-based similar/stretchable components
5. Design-build bid and award process

Additional enablers that were considered “moderate/easy” to apply in the construction industry are:

1. Constructability considered during design phase
2. Adaption of generic design rules
3. Less owner interference during construction
4. Supply chain integration through vertical integration
5. Dedicated subcontractors and alliances
6. Less relative product variability

The evolution in the shipbuilding industry went from stick building to block building to product oriented. This became a revolution in the shipbuilding industry. Europe and Asia caught on and overtook competing regions. (RS232-1, p. 2)