The Last Planner® System and Building Information Modeling in Construction Execution: From an Integrative Review to a Conceptual Model for Integration

Abstract

Many researchers have stated that lean and building information modeling (BIM) have positive synergies. This integrative literature review aims at exploring this body of knowledge within the scope of combinations of BIM and the Last Planner® System, as an important Lean construction method, in the phase of construction execution. The research motivation is to find out whether a comprehensive understanding of how to take advantage of these synergies exists. Eventually, the question arises of how to condense this understanding—if existing—into a robust conceptual model for integration. As a theoretical backbone, we will make use of the original BIM-Lean interaction matrix. The hypothesis is that new BIM functionalities have been evolved since the first formulation of this interaction matrix almost 10 years ago. These new BIM functionalities cause new interactions with existing lean principles. We will focus on interactions that refer directly or indirectly to production planning and control and use them to find the most relevant literature for this review. Within the content analysis, as a part of this review, we focus on existing conceptual models and frameworks for integration of BIM and the Last Planner® System and reveal their shortcomings. Eventually, we will propose a new conceptual model.

Toward BIM and LPS Data Integration for Lean Site Project Management: A State-of-the-Art Review and Recommendations

“…Nevertheless, none of these tools support LPS to its full extent, as shown in Figure 5. Most support only collaborative phase planning but neglect systematic task breakdown and commitment with last planners, also claimed by Schimanski et al [58].…”

“…In our view, the integrated BIM-LPS system should not be restrained to automatic quantity take-off for production management. Furthermore, it must consider all BIM and LPS interactions shown in Schimanski's matrix [58]. Notably, BIM data must be used for automatic generation of DPK and DOK and their preliminary arrangement in a pull schedule.…”

“…An external database storing DPK with respective duration and subordinated DOK information will be absolutely needed. Thus, we propose to complete the generic conceptual model proposed by Schimanski [58] through a detailed mapping of BIM functionality contributions along the LPS process (Figure 3).…”

Special Issue on BIM in the Construction Industry

“…The paper, authored by C. P. Schimanski, C. Marcher, G. P. Monizza and D. T. Matt, presents a review to investigate the relevant literature regarding integrations of Building Information Modeling technology and the Lean Construction's Last Planner System (LPS) in the construction execution phase. It seeks to help scientists and practitioners to obtain an overview of the state-of-the-art in terms of synergies between both approaches, and devises a conceptual model for integration based on the review's findings [1]. There is another review of openBIM, authored by S. Jiang, L. Jiang, Y. Han, Z. Wu and N. Wang.…”

Interdisciplinary Framework: A Building Information Modeling Using Structural Equation Analysis in Lean Construction Project Management

“…Building Information Modeling (BIM) is characterized as a digital model that imposes collaboration among project stakeholders [3]. The concept of BIM takes place through a life cycle of digital information, starting from conceptual design up to demolition.…”