“Production management? Is this just another buzzword promising to boost productivity, even though construction projects are running smoothly enough?”
If you’ve been part of projects where previous so-called “solutions” ultimately didn’t benefit anyone, this thought might sound familiar.
But the fact is, the construction industry desperately needs change: most projects are operating at less than half their potential efficiency. The problem isn’t the people; the process is broken. Even the best professionals can’t avoid chaotic workflows if every contractor is focused only on their own tasks without visibility into the bigger picture.
What is Production Management in Construction Projects?
Construction production management brings much-needed order and transparency to the job site, enabling the project to proceed as planned without unnecessary buffers or interruptions. It makes what once seemed impossible – industrialised construction – achievable.
In the traditional model, subcontractors optimise their own work. However, in production management, the main contractor takes on overall responsibility. The main contractor oversees the work as a whole, ensuring it progresses smoothly in the most logical order possible, without disruptions.
Key Elements of Construction Production Management
#1 Detailed Production Planning
In production management, it’s essential to understand and plan the construction project in detail.
This means that the plan captures, as precisely as possible:
➔ Tasks on the job site: What tasks need to be done on-site and in what order to reach completion.
➔ Locations: Instead of planning work based on traditional zones like floors or ABC sections, the job site is divided into smaller areas, such as individual apartments. Each task is assigned to a specific, exact location.
➔ Timing: Rather than planning by weeks, work is scheduled by the day or, ideally, by the hour.
Detailed planning requires cooperation between the main contractor and subcontractors, so that those responsible for the hands-on work can advise on the best way to proceed.
#2 Daily Site Management
Scheduling is the most important tool for site management in production management.
Traditionally, schedules are used for reporting progress. However, the complexity of construction has led to:
➔ Adding significant buffers into schedules.
➔ High-level plans not accurately reflecting reality.
When tasks don’t start as planned, schedules aren’t updated to avoid explaining why targets weren’t met.
In production management, the schedule becomes an active tool for directing the site. It specifies exactly what will happen in the next week, day, or even hour. Site management uses it to facilitate subcontractors’ work and anticipate obstacles. If tasks don’t start as scheduled, site management adjusts them to keep the production plan up-to-date.
Benefits of Production Management
Production management improves the productivity and profitability of construction projects. Advanced construction companies have shortened their project timelines by up to 70%.
👉 Check out an example: Residential apartment building’s interior phase was reduced to just four weeks
Fewer Delays and Unexpected Costs
Production management provides real-time visibility into on-site activities, reducing rush costs and ensuring the plan aligns with reality. Especially when the production schedule includes financial, material, and condition data.
Work Starts on Time
Site management shifts focus from firefighting to anticipating and preventing issues, ensuring work can start smoothly.
Reduced Need for Buffers
When obstacles are minimised, work flows more smoothly. With a better match between plans and reality, the need for buffers decreases.
Zero Defects Through Continuous Improvement
Production management generates data that helps reduce errors and continuously improve the construction process. This enables more precise production plans and zero-defect deliveries.
And last but not least: Clear Steps Toward Industrialised Construction
With production management, industrialised construction is no longer a utopia. It provides clear, actionable steps, allowing any player in the construction industry to make this shift.
Learn more about a production management software Sitedrive
