Generic implementation of lean concepts in simulation models

Abstract

Lean production theory, as a production management tool, describes a system that delivers a finished product free from defects, to a customer in zero time, and with nothing left in inventory. Recently, the concepts of lean production have been introduced to construction yet have generally been rejected. Lean construction concepts were recently tested in a simulation environment and were found to be effective. To facilitate the implementation of the concepts of lean production in construction simulation, and subsequently within an actual construction project, a generic approach has been created and is presented in this paper. A special purpose simulation (SPS) template was developed for surface works operations in road construction as an example application. The template provides a means of testing the concepts of lean production on road construction simulation models to quantify their impact on road construction processes. This general approach for implementing lean production theory in construction simulation modeling also proved capable of directing the process of optimizing simulation models.