Value stream mapping and simulation as integrated lean approach tool for improving productivity in the installation of natural gas pipes

Ken Loong Mok, Eon Ill Sin, Seung Heon Han, Woosik Jang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

From ancient Egypt's pyramids to Qin Shi Huang's terracotta army, and onto Henry Ford's Model 'T', cogitations of pre-existing waste-reduction similar to today's lean-thinking have been practiced by several forerunners. With the contemplation of the past and the origin of the modern world's lean-thinking outlined, an introduction to lean construction was given. The role of value stream mapping (VSM) and simulation as tools in implementing, analyzing and evaluating lean construction have been studied separately by numerous researchers. Hence, this paper attempts to apply both methods as integrated lean approach for productivity improvement. A case study was carried out on a natural gas pipe works. The current-state of the value-stream-map was drawn and analyzed to identify the waste related to lean management. On top of that, a detailed value-stream-map of individual processes against time frame was studied to extrude more hidden wastes. Simulation models for current (as-is) and improved (to-be) natural gas pipe operations were developed using the EXTEND simulation software, whereby the improved natural gas pipe operations showed better results in all aspects of the process utilization and productivity. This study showed that VSM and simulation tools, when combined together, form a strong integrated instrument for improving work productivity.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCOBRA 2010 - Construction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Publication statusPublished - 2010
EventConstruction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, COBRA 2010 - Paris, France
Duration: 2010 Sept 22010 Sept 3

Publication series

NameCOBRA 2010 - Construction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Other

OtherConstruction, Building and Real Estate Research Conference of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, COBRA 2010
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityParis
Period10/9/210/9/3

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Building and Construction

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