Site Management of Work-in-Process Buffers to Enhance Project Performance Using the Reliable Commitment Model: Case Study

• Published in: Journal of construction engineering and management 2011-09, Vol.137 (9), p.707-715
• Main Authors: González, Vicente, Alarcón, Luis Fernando, Maturana, Sergio, Bustamante, José Antonio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; CASE STUDIES; Construction works; Exact sciences and technology; Project management. Process of design; Site organization
• ISSN: 0733-9364; 1943-7862
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000346

Buffers have been commonly used as a production strategy to protect construction processes from the negative impact of variability. Construction practitioners and researchers have proposed several buffering approaches for different production situations and contexts. However, these solutions have been impractical for managing buffers. To overcome this, this study proposes a new site methodology for managing work-in-process (WIP) buffer in repetitive projects, on the basis of the reliable commitment model (RCM). RCM is a decision-making tool based on lean principles, which uses statistical models to develop more reliable work plans at the operational level. RCM helps to manage WIP buffer in work plans by using site information and planning reliability indicators that result in improved project performance, such as labor productivity and process progress. A repetitive building project was used as a case study. The main finding was that labor productivity, process progress, and waiting times improved when using larger WIP buffers than those typically used among crews. This shows the potential of RCM as a practical tool to manage WIP buffer sizes and to promote the use of lean production strategies at the operational level.