Rethinking Lookahead Planning to Optimize Construction Workflow

Rethinking Lookahead Planning to Optimize Construction Workflow

2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.60164/g3c3a1f5c

Authors: Farook Hamzeh, Glenn Ballard, Iris D. Tommelein

Citation:

Hamzeh, F., Ballard & Iris, G., & Tommelein, D. (2012). Rethinking Lookahead Planning to Optimize Construction Workflow. Lean Construction Journal 2012 pp 15-34.

‌

Abstract:

Research Question: How to improve lookahead planning practices in the construction industry to increase the reliability of production planning?

Purpose: To assess the performance of lookahead planning, advise a standardized practice to support a strong linkage between Lookahead planning and activity execution, and improve the reliability of production planning.

Research Design/Method: This study employs case study analysis, industry interviews, and an industry survey to assess the current implementation of lookahead planning on construction projects in North America, South America, and Europe.

Findings: The study findings indicate the existence of non-compliance with Last Planner® System rules, inadequate lookahead planning and standardized practices, sluggish identification and removal of constraints, and absence of analysis for plan failures.

Limitations: The authors’ active role on the projects used as case studies may constitute a limitation to the research methods and tools used. The industry survey may have not covered all companies applying the Last Planner System. The suggested framework should be custom tailored to different projects to cater for size, culture, etc.

Implications: This research provides a framework for applying the Last Planner System rules during lookahead planning. It aims at increasing the success of the making activities ready, designing operations, and ultimately improving PPC.

Value for practitioners: The study presents to industry practitioners applying the Last Planner System a standardized framework for implementing lookahead planning on construction projects. The paper also highlights the use of two metrics to assess the performance of lookahead planning at a given point in time and to monitor performance over a period of time or between projects.

Keywords: Lookahead planning, production planning, production control, lean construction, the Last Planner System, construction planning

Paper type: Full Paper