17th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction - Taipei, Taiwan - 2009

Production Control Through Modularisation

Martin Lennartsson1, Anders Bjronfot2 & Lars Stehn3

1M.Sc., Div. of Structural Engineering - Timber Structures, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden, Phone +46 920 492967, FAX +46 920 491091, [email protected]
2Tech., Dr., Div. of Structural Engineering - Timber Structures, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden, Phone +46 920 492067, FAX +46 920 491091, [email protected]
3Prof., Div. of Structural Engineering - Timber Structures, Luleå University of Technology, 97187 Luleå, Sweden, Phone +46 920 491976, FAX +46 920 491091, [email protected]

Abstract

In Sweden, the industrial housing trade has developed for many years with the salient idea of improving production control through an increased level of prefabrication. However, production variability is a consistent issue as work is still sub-optimised, resulting in a fragmented production process. Consequently, problems arise when prefabricated parts and components are assembled. The building services are often a source of high variability (many different components and subcontractors), leading to reduced production control. The aim of this paper is to present how modularisations can provide prerequisites for production control in service system design. So far, modularisation has only rendered little attention in Lean construction. In this paper, a modularisation development effort of five Swedish industrial housing companies is reported. To generate a relevant set of modules, several workshops were held together with company representatives and building service consultants. The Design Structure Matrix (DSM) was used to detect the lowest common geometrical denominator of the building service systems as well as crucial connection points and interfaces. Combining the DSM with qualitative module drivers generates a design for service system modules facilitating improved production control.

Keywords

Production control, building services, modularisation, module drivers.

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Reference

Lennartsson, M. , Bjronfot, A. & Stehn, L. 2009. Production Control Through Modularisation, 17th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , 453-464. doi.org/

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