Lean tools for enhancing construction project performance: integration of LPS and LBMS in utility power distribution projects

The construction industry plays a pivotal role in driving national infrastructure development, featuring the importance of effective project management. Successful project execution relies on meticulous coordination and achieving predetermined objectives within specified scope, budget and timeline. This study evaluates the efficacy of lean tools, particularly Last Planner System (LPS) and Location Based Management System (LBMS). Integrating LPS and LBMS offers a complete strategy for managing complex projects and optimizing resources. The research introduces comprehensive methodology that combines LPS and LBMS, analyses delays in the projects, and scrutinizes resource allocation. An ongoing utility power distribution project in Tripura, India, serves as the practical application for this methodology. Using metrics, the progress and through flowline visualization, the expected date of completion of the project were determined. To quantify the delays, a delay index was introduced in this study. Questionnaire survey and interviews with experts were done for performing delay analysis and resource re-allocation. This research suggests that by integrating LPS and LBMS, delays can be reduced, thereby, performance of the project can be improved. Insights gleaned from this research provide valuable guidance for future endeavours in the field, emphasizing the significance of integrating lean methodologies for enhanced project performance and efficiency.