Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 2013, 3(1), 46-55

Production Cells in Construction: Considering Time, Space and Information Linkages to Seek Broader Implementations

R. N. Mariz¹, F. A. Picchi², A. D. Granja³, and R. S. S. Melo⁴

¹MSc Candidate, Construction Management and Technology Research Group, Department of Architecture and Construction, University of Campinas, Brazil. E-mail: renatonunesmariz@hotmail.com (corresponding author).

²Professor, Construction Management and Technology Research Group, Department of Architecture and Construction, University of Campinas, Brazil. E-mail: fpicchi@lean.org.br

³Professor, Construction Management and Technology Research Group, Department of Architecture and Construction, University of Campinas, Brazil. E-mail: adgranja@fec.unicamp.br

⁴PhD Student, Construction Management and Technology Research Group, Department of Architecture and Construction, University of Campinas, Brazil. E-mail: reymardsavio@yahoo.com.br

Project and Production Management

Received November 30, 2011; received revisions January 9, 2012; February 15, 2012; March 15, 2012; accepted March 29, 2012

Available online June 20, 2012

Abstract: The use of production cells in manufacturing has achieved many benefits, motivating researchers to apply them in the construction environment. The aim of this research is to identify time, space, and information linkages in construction’s production cells applications, seeking opportunities for broader implementations. We adopted a literature review approach focusing on cases in the Brazilian construction sector that addressed cell applications. Subsequently, comparative tables of these publications were prepared, analyzing the consideration of time, space, and information linkages, as well as identified results. The article pointed out that there is a gap in publications that address the application of a production cell in almost all construction flows, except the job site flow, reflecting the tendency of most companies of applying lean concepts firstly in physical flows. By analyzing these aspects (group of features that enhance the use of the cell), it was found that “material flow and pull systems” and “operators interaction” were the aspects most often considered, but mostly partially. Few cases reported the use of “flexibility” and “equipment maintenance”. No case reported comprehensive considerations of the three important linkages of time, space, and information. Space was the linkage better considered compared to time and information linkages. Lead time reduction, cost savings and increased productivity were among the greatest benefits reported from the applications of production cells. There is also a positive correlation between the linkages coverage and the number of benefits obtained. Further research is suggested in order to investigate the results of a more comprehensive application considering all linkages.

Keywords: Production cell, flow, and construction.

Copyright © Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management (EPPM-Journal).

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 4.0 Unported License.

Requests for reprints and permissions at eppm.journal@gmail.com.

Citation: Mariz, R. N., Picchi, F. A., Granja, A. D., and Melo, R. S. S. (2013). Production Cells in Construction: Considering Time, Space and Information Linkages to Seek Broader Implementations. Journal of Engineering, Project, and Production Management, 3(1), 46-55.

DOI: 10.32738/JEPPM.201301.0006

Full text