Sreram, P K and Thomas, A (2026) A discrete event simulation-based value stream map implementation scheme for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). International Journal of Construction Management, 26(3), pp. 428-444. ISSN 1562-3599
Abstract
The construction industry plays a vital role in a nation's economic development. However, time and cost overruns are common in construction projects delaying the growth's overall pace. Lean construction techniques are proven to help eliminate various wastes by analyzing each process in the construction activity and its efficiency, and value stream mapping (VSM) is one such popular technique. Despite the popularity of VSM, its implementation is not gaining traction, especially in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that work as subcontractors in most infrastructure projects. Therefore, developing computer simulation (CS) models for repetitive processes helps lean construction to percolate as a practice at construction SMEs, and adoption of digital technologies, which is the aim of the study. Further, a VSM-oriented CS model case study demonstrated lean implementation using discrete event simulation (DES). The CS model is helpful for a hollow-core slab (HCS) casting factory as a simulation based VSM tool, enhances lean implementation, and helps construction personnel in their day-to-day decision-making. Both researchers and practitioners would benefit from the generic methodology for CS model development and the parameterized model, which would pave the way for more such models in the future and thus facilitate accelerating lean implementation in construction SMEs.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | anylogic; construction 4.0; lean adoption; offsite construction; simulation modelling |
| Index terms: | simulation modelling, implementation, construction industry, infrastructure project, discrete event simulation, case study, efficiency, construction 4.0, value stream mapping, construction activity, cost overrun, practitioner, methodology, decision-making, construction project, traction, subcontractor, model development, digital technology, lean construction, value stream map, economic development, computer simulation, construction personnel |
| Subjects: | performance management, decision analysis, industry analysis, infrastructure and transport systems, business, workforce, data collection methods, computing systems, modelling and simulation, financial and cost management, research methods, lean construction, economic development, production management, building construction, transportation engineering, digital engineering, practitioner, analytical methods, construction operations, contractual arrangements |
| Topics: | Quality Management, Risk Management, Sustainability, Procurement, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Site Management, Digital Applications, Human Resources, Roles and Professions, Business Strategy, Cost Management, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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