An Integrated Intelligent Planning Approach for Standardised Prefabricated Components

Design, manufacturing and erection activities of prefabricated units are highly complex, fragmented, time consuming and demand expert personnel. A recent study by the author revealed that the prefabrication industry is highly fragmented, manual intensive and behind other manufacturing based products in terms of information technology and automation. This is causing an extra financial burden on the industry and deprives the construction industry from sustainable growth. In this context, the objective of this research is to develop an integrated intelligent planning approach that automates the process of data exchange between design, manufacturing planning and erection scheduling, re-engineer business process of prefabrication and generate production plans. The paper focuses on the specifications of the main activities in the proposed approach. Such activities are: generating 3D model of a building; relationship and dependency between prefabricated units; erection schedules and production planning and scheduling. The theory of the proposed approach has been introduced and discussed.