Visual Lean planning tools in the construction industry: A Norwegian case study

Abstract

Despite being the world's most significant contributor to the global Gross Domestic Product, the construction industry has untapped potential in its productivity, with frequent project delays and conflicts. Thus, a growing number of contractors implement visual Lean tools, such as the Last Planner® System (LPS). The paper explores the essential visual Lean planning elements to increase the cohesion between planning and production in construction projects through a project case study and lessons learned in the industry. The research indicates that look-ahead plans, soundness checks, early phase planning, BIM models, and applying visual Lean planning in both the design and production phases are critical success factors when using the LPS.