Checking the Gut Check: Validating Project Schedules Using Lean Methods and Model-Based Planning

Contract schedules that are proposed during preconstruction can define the success or failure of project. Too often they are based upon a scheduler's gut check. Building Information Modeling (BIM), along with an integrated Lean workflow, is enabling schedulers to better predict flaws within the schedule and communicate expectations during construction. Currently, Autodesk and DPR Construction have teamed up to create an integration between Autodesk® Navisworks® software and the Last Planner® software, Ourplan, to visually track schedule commitments through the model on a three-week look-ahead. This integration enables DPR to track subcontractor tasks through the model while obtaining more validated input by visually communicating the scope of work expected and indicating potential roadblocks. We will present the current workflows while also proposing future needs for development to use quantity data to derive production rates for future projects, thus helping to take the guesswork out of critical preconstruction scheduling.