Lean Construction and BIM in the Value Chain of a Construction Company: A Case Study

Abstract

The use of methodologies, such as lean construction and building information modeling (BIM), has transformed how construction companies deliver their projects. Throughout the analyzed literature, several studies have proven that the implementation of these methodologies can have significant impacts on the project's productivity level and on the mitigation of time and cost overruns as well. This paper presents a case study of a leading construction company in Colombia and the process that was followed to implement the lean and BIM principles and proves how this implementation affects the company's value chain. First, the method followed in the evaluation of the processes map, and the definition of the organizational structure of the company through the application of the value stream mapping (VSM) is presented. Second, the methodology developed to analyze improvements in the processes map of the company and how they are aligned with the principles of lean/BIM is stated. Finally, the strategy for tracking improvements for all the departments of the company, showing a more efficient organizational structure and an increase in the productivity of the company is outlined. © 2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.