Using an Expert System to Support a Pull System for Construction Planning and Control

A pull system for planning and control coupled with Just-In-Time (JIT) production creates a well integrated manufacturing operation characterized by exemplary productivity, and low work-in-process. The construction industry is also well suited for this approach using many of the techniques required by a pull system, such as JIT and team-style supplier –buyer relationships. However, the construction industry often has a difficult time consistently applying these techniques and, therefore, achieving the advantages of a pull system because of the opportunistic nature of construction projects. Contractors generally have only one chance to plan and control a specific task in construction project while manufactures typically have repeated opportunities even in job shop applications. An effective approach for finding and dealing with these opportunities uses an expert system that a) queries the construction teams using various data collection methods, b) identifies the interface between work-done and work-to-do, and then c) recognizes what opportunities are present in time for the management team to act. Therefore, the expert system is ale to consult with the site team-leaders to provide an on going plan that keeps the organisation working on opportunities that will advance the project based on the characteristics of the pull system. This paper describes how an expert system using the operation characteristics of a pull system can achieve for construction projects the same benefits that have been achieved in manufacturing operations. An application is presented illustrate this approach and identify implication for the construction industry.