An investigation into the use of Lean Production in Off-site Construction

Abstract

One of the major changes to the construction industry over the last ten years has been the introduction of off-site construction. When the construction process is taken off-site, the principles of Lean production can be more readily applied. Much of the research to date has focused on the barriers, and drivers towards the integration of Lean in traditional construction. The main aim of this study is to investigate the extent to which aspects of Lean production are actually being applied to offsite construction in the UK, as well as the barriers and drivers towards its implementation.
Results are based on responses to a questionnaire survey issued to 45 offsite construction companies in the UK. The research in this dissertation identifies the barriers and drivers toward the implementation of lean throughout the offsite construction industry. The implementation efforts are assessed, to ascertain if the principles of Lean production are actually being implemented in the offsite construction process. A Likert scale has been used to measure respondents perception of the main drivers and barriers to the implementation of lean in offsite construction, and the degree to which lean principles are being used in offsite construction. SPSS version 22 software has been used to analyse the data. The Kruskal-Wallis test has been applied to establish if relationships exist between the background of respondents, and their perceptions of the barriers and drivers towards the application of lean in offsite construction.
The research study prioritises the main drivers and barriers towards the integration of lean in offsite construction and highlights the principles of lean production that are currently being underutilized. This provides valuable information on areas of lean production that can be improved in order to help offsite construction companies to implement a Lean strategy. The main barriers and drivers that need to be addressed if lean production is to amalgamate with offsite construction are highlighted, thus helping to provide a focus for future research.

In summary, difficulties in measuring the benefits of Lean implementation, could be one of the main barriers towards its application in the offsite construction industry. The most vital driver to the adoption of lean in offsite construction identified, is the reduction in waste and non-value adding activities. The most commonly identified principle of lean production used in offsite construction was “team work”, this beneficial trait has remained as traditional construction companies have diversified into offsite construction.