Devising Visual Systems for Quality Management in Construction

Construction projects face common challenges, including poor communication, distrust between managers and workforce, ineffective decision-making, and unfulfillment of quality requirements, often related to information management. To address these issues, this study explores the design and first run study of the implementation of Visual Management (VM) systems as a strategy to enhance process transparency and influence quality management practices in 2 building constructions in Peru.
The VM systems implemented followed the underlying principle of process transparency and consisted of three levels: facilitation, discipline and engagement. First, enhancing process transparency facilitated early defect detection, as well as reducing hidden defects and common errors. Second, it focused on fostering discipline among craftworkers to engage in correct procedures. Third, it promoted ownership of delivered work from craftworkers, as well as trust and communication between project staff and craftworkers. The VM systems implemented presented an initial supportive strategy for quality management with low process control but enhanced integration and collaboration.
VM systems require iterative refinement to address site-specific conditions and quality challenges. Recommendations for future research include the assessment of the effectiveness of the implementation of VM systems on quality management, as well as quantitative studies with causation analysis to evidence positive impact on quality.