Application of lean principles in construction consultancy firms

Abstract

Simulation models are well known to be one of the most effective tools that are used in the development of the construction industry. One of the newly introduced terms in this industry is the term Construction. It was inspired from Lean production, which had been long known in the production field for its ability to reduce waste in different process and to deliver higher value to the clients while using less of everything. The outstanding results of applying Lean production principles and tools motivated researchers in different fields to try to import the main principles of Lean production to different fields. The aim of this research is to use computer simulation as tool for assessing the impact of applying lean principles to design process at construction consultancy firms. A comprehensive model for the design process was built, before the principles of Lean construction were depicted in the model. Through a detailed case study it was concluded that applying the Lean construction principles to the design process significantly helped in improving the process efficiency.