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

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.