The Development of a Lean Six Sigma Business Information Modelling Framework for Enhancing Off-site Manufacturing

This project aims to improve a construction companys overall project delivery by utilising Lean Six sigma methods combined with Business Information Modeling (BIM) to design, modularise and manufacture various building elements in a controlled factory environment off-site. A case study in a construction company utilised Lean Six Sigma methodology and BIM modelling to identify non-value add waste in the construction process and improve sustainability. An Irish-based construction company manufacturing modular pipe racks for the pharmaceutical industry utilised Lean Six Sigma to optimise and standardise their OSM partners process and leverage BIM to design skids which could be manufactured off-site and transported easily with minimal on-site installation and rework required. As a result, productivity was improved, waste and defects were reduced, and less energy was consumed. The case study focused on one construction company and product type. Further case studies would ensure more generalisability. This is one of the few studies on implementing OSM utilising Lean Six Sigma and BIM in an Irish construction company. The detailed quantitative benefits and cost savings calculations presented, as well as the use of the LSM methods BIM in designing an OSM process, can be leveraged by other construction organisations to understand the benefits of OSM.