Several characteristics can be summarized in the prefab
supply chain. (1) Inflexibility: prefabs are not identical
products which can be stocked in advance. The form of
prefab should be designed in the first stage and then produced
in a production yard, so work-in-process inventory or safety
stock of finial products are not suitable for prefabrication
technology, since the form cannot be predicted. In this way,
multi-sourcing, transhipment cannot be used to mitigate
uncertainties in the prefab supply chain. Prefab supplier
cannot be easily changed once chosen and none
supplementary product can be used for replacement. (2)
Expensive: prefabs are expensive compared with the
traditional building materials. In addition, prefabs are bulky
items that should be hoisted by expensive crane which are
rented by days. If late delivery take place, the on-site
assembly process will be stopped. Thus, expensive working
hour loss will occur. On the contrary, if prefabs are delivered
too early, extra space should be rented for storage. The
holding cost in construction sites is even high. On this
account, passively acceptance of the prefab logistics
uncertainty is not wisdom.