Guidelines for planning and controlling the assembly process of prefabricated steel building systems

Abstract In recent years, the construction industry has been increasingly using industrialised construction systems, including steel structures, which can contribute to waste elimination and reduction in project duration. The aim of this research study is to propose a set of guidelines for planning and controlling the assembly process ofprefabricated steel structures, based on Lean Production concepts and principles. Design science research was the methodological approach adopted in this investigation, which was developed in partnership with a company that designs, produces and assembles steel building systems. Several improvements were implemented in the planning and control process of the company, in two stages: the first one had the participation of one researcher as a facilitator, and the second one was led by company’s managers. Results indicate that there is a need to adapt modelsproposed in the literature for production system design and production planning and control to the context ofprefabricated steel building systems. The main contributionof this investigation is a set of guidelines that can be used to conceive the production planning and control process for companies that design, produce and assemble prefabricated steel structures.