Applying the Last Planner Control System to a Construction Project - A Case Study in Quito, Ecuador

Resumen

Lean Construction is a new philosophy oriented toward construction production administration. It sets productive flows in motion in order to develop control systems with the aim of reducing losses throughout the process. One of these production control systems was designed by Ballard and Howell and is known as the Last Planner System (LPS). This system presents fundamental changes in the way projects are planned and controlled. The functions of the Last Planner System include: productive unit and work flow control, and completing quality assignments. In addition, it makes it easier to get to the root of the problems, and to make timely decisions regarding adjustments needed within the operation, in order to execute actions opportunely, thereby increasing productivity. The main objective of the study is to disseminate the results obtained from an application of the Last Planner System in a construction project in Quito, Ecuador. The results demonstrate that every time the contractor applies LPS, both the Percent Plan Complete (PPC) and the Performance Factor (PF) improve. The PPC and PF rates show an improvement trend every time the system is used.