Just-in-time management in precast concrete construction: A survey of the readiness of main contractors in Singapore

Abstract

The Just-In-Time (JIT) philosophy holds tremendous potentials for improving the movement of precast concrete components from the prefabrication yard to, and within, the construction site. The space constraints for storage and the traffic congestion at the worksite can then be alleviated. Savings from the efficient management of precast concrete components can be used to offset the higher costs of procurement. By means of a survey, this paper examines if main contractors are ready to adopt the JIT philosophy to receiving and installing precast concrete components on site. Observations from the survey, however, suggest that JIT/lean operations need to work hand in hand with agile operations in the supply chain to cope with schedule fluctuations.