Introduction: The Importance of Project Scheduling in the Construction Phase
In the construction industry, effective planning and efficient execution are key factors for the success of any project. The complexity of coordinating multiple teams, tight deadlines, and limited resources requires a methodology that not only ensures timelines are met and resources are optimized but also allows adaptability to changes while minimizing waste. At Hermosillo, we have adopted the Last Planner® System (LPS), transforming our culture and project management approach, increasing efficiency, and fostering collaboration. Read on to learn more.
What is the Last Planner® System?
According to the Lean Construction Institute, the Last Planner® System (LPS) is a planning methodology designed to create a predictable workflow among all parties involved in a project, ensuring reliable results. Its full name, Last Planner® System of Production Control, reflects its focus on production planning and control, especially in the construction sector.
The LPS helps identify and proactively address potential obstacles before they impact the workflow, allowing for more efficient execution. This system takes a holistic approach, where all parts are essential for proper project planning and execution under Lean principles. Essentially, each subcontractor involved in the project must commit to managing and completing their scope of work within the agreed timeline. This means detailing the specific activities they will carry out and ensuring all prerequisite tasks are completed before starting a new one.
This structured process increases project predictability, improves productivity and collaboration, and fosters greater responsibility among subcontractors. Additionally, when unexpected issues arise, the LPS facilitates finding alternative routes to meet the set goals, ensuring greater efficiency and production control.
Benefits of Implementing the Last Planner® System at Hermosillo
At Hermosillo, we have used the Last Planner® System (LPS) in all our projects for over seven years. Our planning culture has improved throughout this time, and we have seen numerous benefits transforming how we manage projects and engage with our subcontractors and clients. Below, we outline the LPS’s key advantages, highlighting its impact on communication, collaboration, efficiency, and adaptability.
Strengthening Communication and Collaboration
One of the most notable benefits of the LPS is its improved communication and collaboration across all construction project participants. Before implementing this methodology, planning and follow-up meetings involved only our team members, excluding subcontractor representatives, leading to poor communication and loose coordination between the teams responsible for executing the tasks. This gap resulted in delays and miscommunication.
With the LPS, we emphasize that project scheduling meetings should be attended by those directly responsible for the work. This ensures that information is communicated accurately, enhances decision-making, and increases project productivity. Additionally, all our projects have a Lean coordinator on site who is crucial in facilitating these meetings, helping teams collaboratively address restrictions and resolve issues before they impact workflow. This approach fosters a transparent environment where all voices are heard, enabling better team coordination and collaboration.
Improved Project Delivery Times and Reliability in Meeting Agreed Deadlines
The LPS has also significantly improved project delivery punctuality. We have reduced delays and minimized resource waste through a detailed schedule and constant monitoring. This approach has allowed us to meet critical milestones and, in most cases, deliver projects ahead of schedule, creating great value for our clients.
The methodology also helps us identify potential risks and restrictions early on, allowing us to take preventive actions before they disrupt the project’s progress. By resolving potential issues in advance, we maintain a consistent workflow and ensure the project stays on track without unnecessary interruptions.
Fostering Ownership and Accountability
Beyond operational efficiency, the LPS has fostered a strong sense of ownership, collaboration, and accountability among all project participants, including subcontractors. Involving them in planning makes teams feel more invested in the project’s success. This collaborative approach encourages motivation and engagement, creating an environment where every milestone is celebrated as a collective achievement. This sense of ownership enhances productivity and ensures high commitment throughout the project.
Flexibility and Managing Last-Minute Changes
Construction projects are often subject to last-minute changes, and the LPS provides us with the flexibility to manage these adjustments without compromising delivery timelines. One of the key strengths of the LPS is its adaptability to real-time project conditions. Subcontractors are involved in planning from the start, which allows changes to be made collaboratively and efficiently.
Weekly follow-up meetings are essential in this process. When changes or delays occur, they are immediately communicated to all involved parties, enabling the team to find solutions quickly. These meetings also help assess whether additional resources, such as personnel or building equipment, are needed to stay on track. Visual tools like the Big Room further enhance communication, ensuring updates are conveyed to subcontractors, and keeping the project moving smoothly.
Continuous Adaptation to Project Conditions
The LPS is designed to adapt continuously to the conditions of each project. This flexibility ensures that we can adjust our plans based on realistic expectations, minimizing the risk of last-minute changes negatively affecting the schedule or quality of the work.
Our construction program is treated as a living element and is regularly updated through weekly reviews based on Percent Plan Complete (PPC) results. With Pull Planning, we adjust timelines and activities as needed to ensure any modifications are handled efficiently, ensuring the project is delivered on time without sacrificing quality.
Conclusion: The Added Value for Our Clients
The Last Planner® System allows us to offer our clients two fundamental values: trust and transparency. Our extensive experience in using this methodology ensures that projects are managed efficiently, meeting deadlines and agreed-upon quality standards. The active participation of everyone involved, from subcontractors to the client, guarantees that problems are addressed collaboratively and that potential issues are resolved without surprises, minimizing risks and reinforcing trust.
Additionally, the LPS promotes open planning, where project progress is visible to both the team and the client. This allows for constant feedback and ensures all decisions are made clearly and aligned with the project’s objectives. By offering this transparency, our clients can actively engage in the process, ensuring that every milestone is met, adding value, and delivering results that meet and exceed expectations.
