Produce Predictable Work Flow
Apply a measurably effective process to your project
The Lean Construction Institute defines the Last Planner System® as a production planning system designed to produce predictable work flow and rapid learning in programming, design, construction and commissioning of projects.
Whatever definition you use, it should include a key phrase: measurably effective.
LPS was developed in the 1980’s by Glenn Ballard and Greg Howell. Measurable benefits include:
- Safer, faster projects at a reduced cost
- Improved predictability
- Reduced stress on project management staff
- Improvement in the overall production process
- Ensuring projects are a reliable customer in just-in-time deliveries
- Avoiding Critical Path Methods that don’t work
LPS is a pull controlling methodology which allows tasks to start only when all constraints have been removed. It has been described as a social approach to solving process problems. LPS aims to improve productivity by only allowing assignments which have been made ready to enter weekly work plans. The person or group that produces the assignment is deemed the “Last Planner.”
Learn more about LPS:
- The Last Planner – Lean Construction Institute
- Analysis of Lean Construction by Using Last Planner System (PDF)
- The Combination of Last Planner System and Location-Based Management System (PDF)