Exploring the Links between Simulation Modelling and Construction Production Planning and Control: A Case Study on the Last Planner System

Abstract

Simulation modelling has been utilised as a decision-support tool for different production systems. However, simulation uptake in construction is lagging due to several challenges such as the extensive data requirements and modelling efforts in a simulation study. This paper aims at addressing this gap by introducing a framework that integrates the practices of simulation modelling with the Last Planner® System (LPS), which is a well-established production planning and control method. The framework focuses on exploiting the outputs of implementing the LPS to support building a valid simulation model. A case study is conducted to test the applicability of the proposed framework. Based on the findings of the study, it can be concluded that the LPS provides a promising avenue for integration with simulation modelling due to the shared processes and requirements between both methods, which may lead to minimised data requirements and modelling efforts for simulation, thus improving simulation uptake in the construction industry.