Findings on the Use of the Last Planner System—a Case Study

Abstract

The last planner system™ (LPS) is a production control method used in lean construction projects that has offered good results to construction companies in terms of improving labour productivity, increasing collaboration and the possibility for developing continuous learning. This short study contributes to LPS research on the reliability of promises and how parties perceive their effects on schedule and productivity. The study was conducted using a case study on an industrial construction project in which LPS had been in use since its start. Research data were collected using a semi-structured survey conducted online due to the pandemic. The study also utilized project progress data and measurement data from the LPS sessions. The most interesting result of the study was how little the LPS participants felt they had to compromise their goals. We also found how scheduling methods used in parallel with LPS can frustrate users and contribute to reducing its usefulness. Our findings can be used in further research in several ways, either by utilising the questionnaire we developed or by comparing our findings to other studies. We believe that practitioners using LPS will benefit from our results and can use them to address these shortcomings identified in future projects.