Applying Visual Management on Mobile Cell Manufacturing: A Case Study on Drywall Technology

Luciano Moser1 & Aguinaldo dos Santos2

1Civil Engineer, MSc. candidate, PPGEC, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, C.P. 19011, CEP: 81531-990 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil ,[email protected]
2Civil Engineer, MSc., PhD, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Centro Politécnico, Jardim das Américas, C.P. 19011, CEP: 81531-990 Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil, [email protected], http://www.cesec.ufpr.br/~asantos

Abstract

This paper stresses the impact of using visual controls in a mobile cell implementation in the construction industry, expanding the analysis carried out by Santos, Moser & Tookey (2002) within the same research project. The investigation was carried out using a case study research method and focused on the drywall technology. The whole research was carried out in two phases. Initial phase: a diagnosis on drywall practices in three companies. The observations showed various problems such as improvisation with tools, poor workflow planning and the absence of adequate drywall design plans. Second phase: implementation of a mobile cell. The study showed that developing adequate visual controls on the workstations, packages, and the materials themselves is a key factor to enable a successful implementation of mobile cells in construction. However, the frequent movement of workstations throughout the construction site demands visual controls with higher mobility than current on-the-shelf visual controls, which is in itself an opportunity for further innovation in construction.

Keywords

Visual Control, mobile cell, cellular manufacturing

Files

Reference

Moser, L. & Santos, A. D. 2003. Applying Visual Management on Mobile Cell Manufacturing: A Case Study on Drywall Technology, 11th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , -. doi.org/

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