Experiences from the implementation of last planner system® in construction project

Abstract

Lean practices have shown their potential in reducing environmental, economic, and social impacts during the construction phase, with an increase in the parameters of sustainability in the development of projects. Last planner system® (LPS) has gained prominence in recent times for its ability to increase the possibility of timely construction project delivery. However, LPS is yet to gain sufficient confidence from industry for wide spread implementation. The present paper intends to present the benefits, critical success factors, barriers and drawbacks of the LPS with the intent of promoting the applications in industry. An extensive review of literature published over last two decades has been done. The study has identified that improvement in the reliability of planning, visualization of future and planning transparency, reduction in project time as the major benefits, commitment from top management, training of the participants as the critical success factors, resistance to implement LPS, involvement of many parties in the project as the most significant barriers of implementation. The study has also presented the difficulties faced during LPS implementation which if addressed shall be able to improve the process of implementation, translate to project success, and instil confidence in the industry practitioners to implement the system widely.