Modern Technologies in Steel Structure Fabrication: An Integrated Production Management Model for Small and Medium Enterprises

Abstract

Published research on steel fabrication covers individual technology domains (CNC cutting, BIM integration, ERP systems, quality standards) but does not offer a practical model for combining these elements into a unified production workflow within the resource constraints of small and medium enterprises. This article contributes in two parts. A comparative evaluation of plasma, oxy-fuel, and abrasive disc cutting methods is conducted using manufacturer data and independent technical sources, establishing the technological baseline for structural steel fabrication. An integrated production management model developed by the author at Kharkiv Stal LLC (Ukraine) over the period 2013–2025 is then presented. The model connects three components: ERP-based material reservation with three-status differentiation (available, reserved, committed), project-style order execution with stage-gated accountability, and a four-level quality inspection sequence embedded in the production cycle. Operational records from 2021–2025 document the following outcomes: order fulfillment cycle compressed from 10–14 days to 2–5 days, production delays reduced by approximately 70%, fabrication throughput increased by 30–40% without proportional workforce expansion, material preparation time shortened by 15–20%, and financial exposure to raw material price volatility decreased by 10–15%. Findings indicate that process integration methodology produces greater operational gains for resource-constrained fabricators than investment in advanced equipment without corresponding workflow coordination.