Improving Buildabuility With Platforms and Configurators

Bo Terje Kalsaas¹

Abstract

Our focus in this paper is the design of LPS-inspired planning processes in engineering in a case taken from the mechanical offshore oil and gas construction industry. An integrated project engineering delivery system based on design and engineering theory is presented in the paper. Our conceived operationalization is based on a combination of traditional rationalistic models and iterative and inclusive approaches like the ones found in the Last Planner System. The developed model is being tested out in a company setting in an ongoing study, and what are presented here are our preliminary findings. We have uncovered a need for considerable changes, above all to the phase plan and lookahead plan, both of which need radical rethinking to be applied in engineering. Limiting the phase planning timeframe to a few weeks, focussing on detailed milestones based on different levels of maturity in the engineering knowledge that emerges is suggested. A significant finding is that within engineering, it often seems necessary to rely on “making do” as a way of working; hence, the criteria for declaring activities sound must be adjusted accordingly. This paper is a contribution towards better knowledge about challenges associated with implementing LPS-inspired planning processes within mechanical engineering in the offshore construction industry.

Keywords

Engineering, Offshore construction, Mechanical industry, LPS, Quality Control

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Reference

Kalsaas, B. T. 2013. Improving Buildabuility With Platforms and Configurators , 21th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction , 659-668. doi.org/

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