Ballard, G; Harper, N and Zabelle, T (2003) Learning to see work flow: An application of lean concepts to precast concrete fabrication. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 10(1), pp. 6-14. ISSN 0969-9988
Abstract
Reducing the lead time for engineered-to-order products can allow more time for exploration and testing of design alternatives, reduction of project durations, or some combination of both. Combined with improved reliability of work flow on site, more fabricated products can be pulled to site when needed, thus avoiding unnecessary inventories. Lead time reduction benefits both the design and the construction phases of projects, and it benefits the fabricator as well. Integration of engineering and detailing may offer the greatest potential for lead time reduction. However, fabrication lead times can also be reduced. This paper describes the application of lean production concepts and techniques to structural precast concrete fabrication. The key change was learning to identify and utilise work flow as opposed to focusing management effort on keeping workers and plant busy. Results included shop cycle time and lead time reduction, increased throughput rate, and improved productivity.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | cycle time; flow; lead time; lean production; production; systems design |
| Index terms: | engineer-to-order, exploration, integration, lean production, precast concrete, lead time, fabrication, construction phase, systems design, testing, duration, inventory, productivity |
| Subjects: | design methods, environmental resource management, building materials, project delivery, professional practice, manufacturing engineering, management, inventory management, organizational analysis, project controls |
| Topics: | Business Strategy, Project Management, Construction Materials, Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Design Practice, Supply Chain Management, Organizational Design, Time Control |
| Descriptive scope: | 2 PC |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here