Research on production process optimization of precast concrete component factory based on value stream mapping
Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management
ISSN: 0969-9988
Article publication date: 4 November 2019
Issue publication date: 6 April 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the process optimization of a precast concrete component production line by using value stream mapping.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is an empirical focused on of lean production theory and value stream mapping. The data in the case study were collected in real time on-site for each process during the production process of a prefabricated exterior wall.
Findings
The results of the current value stream map indicate that the main problems of the current production process are related to equipment, technology and organization. The equipment problems include simple demolding and cleaning tools and the lack of professional transfer channels. The technology problems include the lack of a marking mechanism and pipeline exit mechanism. There is a lack of standard operating procedures and incomplete process convergence. A comparison and analysis of the current value stream and the future value flow indicate that optimizations of the process flow, the production line layout, and the standard operating procedures have shortened the delivery cycle, reduced the number of workers, improved the operator’s operating level and balanced the production line.
Practical implications
The results of this study provide practitioners with a clear understanding of the optimization of the precast concrete component production and represent a method and basis for the process optimization of a factory production line; the approach is suitable for process optimization in other areas.
Originality/value
This research represents an innovative application of lean production theory and value stream mapping in a complex production line of precast concrete components and thereby fills the gap between the theory and practice of the optimization of a precast concrete component production line.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was funded by “The 13th Five-Year National Key R&D Program,” research and development of prefabricated building analysis and design software and prefabricated component database and the National Natural Science Foundation of China, “Design and optimization of emergency rescue flow in subway construction based on Petri network.”
Citation
Wang, S., Tang, J., Zou, Y. and Zhou, Q. (2020), "Research on production process optimization of precast concrete component factory based on value stream mapping", Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, Vol. 27 No. 4, pp. 850-871. https://doi.org/10.1108/ECAM-10-2018-0455
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited