A process-based approach to value-added construction — the CYCLONE/DISCO system

Abstract

Recently, the study of processes and of non value-adding tasks at the process level has enjoyed a renaissance in the manufacturing sector because of the emphasis on total quality management and the work of W. Edwards Deming and others. Interest by the construction industry in the study of processes at this level has been negligible. In order to achieve better quality in construction, the industry must become more process oriented and involved in the study of resource interaction. The CYCLONE modeling system provides an environment for flow charting and studying the interaction of resources within a construction process. The DISCO program which is integrated with the CYCLONE modeling system provides a graphical modeling and simulation environment which facilitates the analysis of construction operations using simulation techniques. The CYCLONE modeling format and the DISCO program interface constitute a foundation upon which improved process design and efficiency can be established. Key words: construction management, simulation, flow modeling, computer methods, construction processes.