Implementing the Last Planner System (LPS) in the design phase of a construction project can significantly improve collaboration, communication, and efficiency among the design team members. Here’s a detailed plan on how to use LPS during the design phase:
1. Introduction to Last Planner System:
Start by introducing the Last Planner System to the design team members, including architects, engineers, and any other stakeholders involved in the design process. Explain the key principles of LPS and the benefits it offers in terms of increased collaboration and efficiency.
2. Establish the Design Team:
Form a collaborative design team that includes all relevant disciplines and stakeholders, such as architects, structural engineers, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) engineers, and any other specialists required for the project.
3. Define Project Objectives and Constraints:
Clearly define the project objectives, requirements, and constraints. Understand the project’s scope, budget, and schedule constraints, as well as any specific design criteria or client preferences.
4. Pre-Design Pull Planning:
Hold a pull planning session with the design team to create an initial design schedule. Work backward from the project completion date and determine the major milestones and deliverables needed at each stage of the design process.
5. Phase Pull Planning:
Break down the design process into phases or stages, such as concept design, schematic design, design development, and construction documents. Conduct separate pull planning sessions for each phase, involving the last planners responsible for the design work in that particular phase.
During these sessions, identify potential constraints, dependencies, and risks associated with each phase. Collaboratively develop a detailed plan for each phase based on the pull plan schedule.
6. Weekly Work Planning:
After the pull planning sessions, develop weekly work plans for each design discipline. These plans should be specific and actionable, outlining the tasks, milestones, and deliverables that each discipline needs to achieve during the week.
7. Daily Huddles:
Hold daily huddles with the design team to review progress, address challenges, and discuss any deviations from the weekly work plans. Use these huddles to promote communication, share updates, and identify opportunities for improvement.
8. Identify and Address Constraints:
As the design process progresses, be proactive in identifying constraints that may hinder the workflow. These constraints could be related to information availability, coordination with other disciplines, or changes in project requirements. Work collaboratively to address these constraints and find solutions.
9. Continuous Improvement:
Encourage a culture of continuous improvement within the design team. Regularly review the effectiveness of the Last Planner System implementation and gather feedback from team members. Use lessons learned to refine the process and optimize the design workflow.
10. Coordination with Construction Team:
As the design phase nears completion, facilitate coordination between the design team and the construction team. Share design progress, discuss potential constructability issues, and seek input from the construction team to optimize the final design.
11. Monitor and Evaluate:
Track the design progress and evaluate the outcomes of using LPS. Measure the impact of the Last Planner System on design efficiency, collaboration, and meeting project objectives.
By following this detailed plan, the design team can effectively implement the Last Planner System during the design phase of the construction project. The focus on collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement will lead to more efficient and successful design outcomes.
Certainly! Here’s the continuation and conclusion of the detailed plan for implementing the Last Planner System during the design phase of a construction project:
12. Document and Share Best Practices:
Throughout the design process, document successful practices, innovative solutions, and effective communication methods. These best practices can serve as valuable references for future projects and help streamline the implementation of LPS in subsequent endeavors.
13. Celebrate Achievements:
Recognize and celebrate the achievements of the design team during the implementation of the Last Planner System. Acknowledge individuals and teams for their contributions to fostering a collaborative and efficient design process.
14. Feedback and Lessons Learned:
Gather feedback from all stakeholders involved in the design phase. Conduct post-implementation meetings to discuss what worked well and what could be improved. Incorporate these lessons learned into future projects to continually refine the LPS process.
15. Finalize Design Deliverables:
As the design phase reaches completion, ensure that all design deliverables are accurate, complete, and meet the project’s requirements. Share the final design package with the construction team, ensuring seamless handover.
16. Handover to Construction Team:
Facilitate a smooth transition from the design phase to the construction phase. Organize meetings between the design and construction teams to discuss the design intent, address any queries, and clarify project details.
17. Evaluate LPS Impact:
After the design phase concludes, evaluate the overall impact of implementing the Last Planner System. Assess improvements in collaboration, communication, design efficiency, and whether project objectives were achieved. Use this evaluation to refine the use of LPS in future projects.
18. Continuous Application:
The Last Planner System is not limited to a single phase of the project. Consider extending the use of LPS to the construction phase and beyond, promoting seamless collaboration between design and construction teams throughout the project lifecycle.
The Last Planner System can bring significant benefits to the design phase of a construction project. By involving all stakeholders in the planning process, promoting collaboration, and fostering continuous improvement, design teams can achieve greater efficiency, better outcomes, and a more streamlined approach to delivering successful projects.
Remember that implementing LPS requires commitment and dedication from all team members. The culture of open communication, continuous improvement, and teamwork will be critical to the success of the Last Planner System in the design phase and, ultimately, the overall success of the construction project. With each project, the design team can build upon the lessons learned and fine-tune their approach, further optimizing the use of LPS in future endeavors.
