Development and Application of an Integrated Management System for Off-Site Construction Projects

Abstract

The off-site construction (OSC) method has attracted the interest of experts to resolve productivity stagnation and lack of skilled workforce and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the construction industry. Due to the unique characteristics of OSC projects, wherein building elements are produced in a factory, transported, and installed in the field, a management approach that differs from the management techniques of previous construction projects is required. Accordingly, with this study, we examined the characteristics of OSC projects and derived key management items through literature review, case analysis, and expert meetings to develop an integrated management system for OSC projects (OSC-IMS). The proposed system, OSC-IMS, integrates the entire supply chain of the OSC project. It includes the following functions: drawing management, scheduling and planning, site installation planning, production planning, production monitoring, shipping and transportation, delivery and inspection, site installation monitoring, and progress payment management. To verify the applicability and effectiveness of OSC-IMS, it was implemented in four projects. The application of the system to the case studies demonstrated the improvements in work efficiency and accuracy and decreased waste time in every work step. The findings indicate that the system can enhance project performance. This study contributes to the identification of the features and key elements of OSC management such that these factors can be linked with managing system development. This work describes the overall effect of the proposed system on real projects.