Implementing Lean Production Strategies in Construction Companies

This paper describes a joint effort of twelve Chilean construction companies to introduce improvements in their project management processes. These companies participate in a collaborative research project to improve construction project performance developed by the Universidad Católica de Chile. The strategies followed for implementation include some key elements such as: training for action, collaborative sharing among companies, coaching and action research. All these aspects are part of an overall strategy to introduce principles of lean construction and better practices in the organizations. This paper describes a computer system developed to support implementation of improved management practices. The system uses the core concepts of the "Last Planner" system of production control, to develop a knowledge framework for management decision making. This framework, implemented in a computer system, provides the means to capture and manage data collected during project planning meetings and from the project information systems. The system provides valuable information for continuous improvement of the project. Three stages are identified during the implementation of the improved planning process: Stage I, initial status of the companies, Stage II, one year after the beginning of implementation in each company and Stage III, implementation of the strategy supported by A computer system. The paper reports continuous improvements in all the stages, with a notorious increase in speed of improvements in the third stage.