Otto Alhava - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Otto Alhava

22nd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, 2014

Efficient and flawless information management plays a key role in successful execution of constru... more Efficient and flawless information management plays a key role in successful execution of construction projects, but it has been difficult to implement in the traditional document-based environment. A root cause for waste in construction projects is inaccessible, inadequate or missing information. Necessary information is produced by several parties and it is often fragmented, inconsistent or in an impractical format. A lot of time is wasted-meaning that value is destroyed-in searching information needed for activities on construction site due to the fact that even if the information exists somewhere in the documents, it is not easily available. Visual control systems defined in Lean methodology strive for improving the value added flow. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can facilitate organisation and visualisation of information for specific needs in the process. This paper explores how combining principles of Visual Control and BIM could improve information delivery from information producers to information users to reduce waste in searching and processing the information. The methods of literature study, Value Stream Mapping and Root Cause Analysis are used. Software-based Standardised Model Views (SMVs) and their automated creation from BIM, based on predefined use cases and end-user needs are proposed and illustrated. The use of SMVs facilitates Lean information management, thus reducing rework and time spent on waiting, increasing built-in quality and enhancing flow in production. Evaluated savings in a single subcontractor's work time are at least 10% when SMVs are used.

Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, Jul 3, 2019

This study takes a critical look at Takt planning and takt control (TPTC) by analysing a successf... more This study takes a critical look at Takt planning and takt control (TPTC) by analysing a successful case project. In the study, the digital system architecture and collected data are used for providing a process breakdown and analysis in terms of waste and potential root causes. The paper shows how vulnerable the TPTC is for disruptions caused by a lead waste, making-do/task diminishment, and ad-hoc tolerance management. Based on the digital footprint of the project, an explanation is given why good results in terms of money, customer satisfaction, time and quality were achieved even though the takt was practically lost towards the end of the project. The results indicate that the excellent outcome of the project was not based on TPTC and steep learning curve. Instead, the results were achieved by exploiting the real-time situation awareness provided by the digitalised smart site and disciplined use of applications, as well as by a pragmatic approach to planning and leading work on-site. The validity of the results is limited as the conclusions are drawn based on only one TPTC project.

Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, Jul 14, 2021

Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 2015

In construction projects the changes and refinements of client requirements are often seen just a... more In construction projects the changes and refinements of client requirements are often seen just as a disturbance causing additional costs. However, today clients' business needs evolve constantly and therefore changes in the project requirements are inevitable. Simultaneously, the increasing competition forces companies to minimise unproductive capital costs. Therefore there is an economical pressure to shorten the construction time and the design and construction will be even more concurrent than today. There is clearly potential value to be created for customer by terms of collaborative design process. Fira is an innovative Finnish company which has developed its interactive and customer centric Verstas process since 2009. Fira is using service logic as a guiding principle in the development of collaborative design processes, such as Intensive Big Room (IBR), which is a combination of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and further development of Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE) and Big Room methodologies. The traditional project management methods are not efficient in managing late changes in customer's requirements. This article presents a new method combining collaborative design process, requirements management and IBR in a small sub-process-locking and ironmongery-in legacy construction project models. The sub-process was selected for the development of the method because it is a perfect example of the traditional fragmented process where efficient coordination between different participants and management of requirements are very difficult. However, the same principles can be applied to many other sub-processes too. The method combines service logic, value co-creation and use of IBR concept in a standard contract environment in a unique way which can give significant benefits to the companies able to adopt the presented concept in their business models. Using these methods Fira can now change its business model, differentiate with more attractive value proposal for customer, create more value than its competitors and capture value for securing its competitiveness in future.

CRC Press eBooks, Aug 21, 2014

Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, Jul 9, 2017

Platform ecosystems facilitated by the internet are changing the way market mechanisms work. The ... more Platform ecosystems facilitated by the internet are changing the way market mechanisms work. The platform ecosystem business model, using data and network effects, creates new rules for how value is created and delivered. The viral growth characteristic to platform ecosystems has already caused disruption in several industries. The purpose of the research is to explore business opportunities facilitated by the platform ecosystem business model in the construction sector through an example case of a residential building construction. The key concepts and underpinning logics of the platform ecosystem business model are defined. Interactions between the five lean principles and the platform ecosystem concept are reviewed. Finally, an example case of implementation is represented with the help of the platform business model canvas.

Proceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC31)

PICO is a framework that provides a conceptual guide for production system analysis and design in... more PICO is a framework that provides a conceptual guide for production system analysis and design in the construction industry. It has four key components: Production control mechanism, Information and communication system, Commercial terms, and Organizational structure. Each component is highly interdependent and has a set of detailed parameters and enumerated values. A comprehensive literature review, case studies, and analysis highlighted the knowledge gaps in current production system design frameworks. The PICO framework was originally devised to design a production system suited for short-takt production in residential construction, but it has been developed into a comprehensive mapping tool for the design and analysis of construction production systems in general. The paper shows an application of the framework to a takt system as a case study and an example of its application. The framework expands the current understanding of production systems in construction, offering new insights and a comprehensive approach to designing new production systems.

PPC (Plan Percent Complete) is a measurement tool in Last Planner which has been used mainly in p... more PPC (Plan Percent Complete) is a measurement tool in Last Planner which has been used mainly in production phase. However, there are some other studies in which PPC measurement has been used in design phase and we believe it has an important role there too. The aims of this study were to test 1) how modified PPC measurement fits to the design management, 2) how to develop and measure PPC for this project 3) what are the participants’ opinions on this modified PPC. A modified PPC (task list) was used in this study. A total of six measurements were done. Five project participants were included in the measurement and their opinions on the modified task list were recorded. Measured PPC values varied from 30 % to 100 % and the average was 73 %. According to the participants, a task list had a positive effect on their work. The conclusion was that the modified PPC measurement seems to be an appropriate tool for design management. It was accepted by designers and will be used in future pro...

Proc. 29th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC), 2021

eWork and eBusiness in Architecture, Engineering and Construction, 2018

Proc. 27th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC), 2019

This study takes a critical look at Takt planning and takt control (TPTC) by analysing a successf... more This study takes a critical look at Takt planning and takt control (TPTC) by analysing a successful case project. In the study, the digital system architecture and collected data are used for providing a process breakdown and analysis in terms of waste and potential root causes. The paper shows how vulnerable the TPTC is for disruptions caused by a lead waste, making-do/task diminishment, and ad-hoc tolerance management. Based on the digital footprint of the project, an explanation is given why good results in terms of money, customer satisfaction, time and quality were achieved even though the takt was practically lost towards the end of the project. The results indicate that the excellent outcome of the project was not based on TPTC and steep learning curve. Instead, the results were achieved by exploiting the real-time situation awareness provided by the digitalised smart site and disciplined use of applications, as well as by a pragmatic approach to planning and leading work on-site. The validity of the results is limited as the conclusions are drawn based on only one TPTC project.

25th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, 2017

The Portfolio/Process/Operations (PPO) model is a novel approach to understanding the elements th... more The Portfolio/Process/Operations (PPO) model is a novel approach to understanding the elements that impact production systems in the world of construction. Building on prior work such as the "Transformation-Flow-Value" (TFV) theory, the PPO model adds a multi-and meta-project view through its consideration of the total "Portfolio" of projects and partners in which each company in the industry is engaged. Fira Palvelut is a Finnish contractor specializing in the refurbishment of bathrooms in the aging Finnish mass housing market. This paper examines Fira's efforts to improve their operations and finds that by addressing each of the elements of the PPO model, they have managed to build a robust and successful production system that dramatically outpaces the industry standard for project lead time. In the renovation sphere, this means customers must be out of their houses for significantly less time while the work is performed. In this paper, we give a background to the PPO model and Fira Palvelut's operations, and analyze their success through the lens of each element of the model.

Itcon Vol 20 Special Issue Ecppm 2014 10th European Conference on Product and Process Modelling Pg 146 158 Http Www Itcon Org 2015 11, 2015

In construction projects the changes and refinements of client requirements are often seen just a... more In construction projects the changes and refinements of client requirements are often seen just as a disturbance causing additional costs. However, today clients' business needs evolve constantly and therefore changes in the project requirements are inevitable. Simultaneously, the increasing competition forces companies to minimise unproductive capital costs. Therefore there is an economical pressure to shorten the construction time and the design and construction will be even more concurrent than today. There is clearly potential value to be created for customer by terms of collaborative design process. Fira is an innovative Finnish company which has developed its interactive and customer centric Verstas process since 2009. Fira is using service logic as a guiding principle in the development of collaborative design processes, such as Intensive Big Room (IBR), which is a combination of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and further development of Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE) and Big Room methodologies. The traditional project management methods are not efficient in managing late changes in customer's requirements. This article presents a new method combining collaborative design process, requirements management and IBR in a small sub-process-locking and ironmongery-in legacy construction project models. The sub-process was selected for the development of the method because it is a perfect example of the traditional fragmented process where efficient coordination between different participants and management of requirements are very difficult. However, the same principles can be applied to many other sub-processes too. The method combines service logic, value co-creation and use of IBR concept in a standard contract environment in a unique way which can give significant benefits to the companies able to adopt the presented concept in their business models. Using these methods Fira can now change its business model, differentiate with more attractive value proposal for customer, create more value than its competitors and capture value for securing its competitiveness in future.

Efficient and flawless information management plays a key role in successful execution of constru... more Efficient and flawless information management plays a key role in successful execution of construction projects, but it has been difficult to implement in the traditional document-based environment. A root cause for waste in construction projects is inaccessible, inadequate or missing information. Necessary information is produced by several parties and it is often fragmented, inconsistent or in an impractical format. A lot of time is wasted-meaning that value is destroyed-in searching information needed for activities on construction site due to the fact that even if the information exists somewhere in the documents, it is not easily available. Visual control systems defined in Lean methodology strive for improving the value added flow. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can facilitate organisation and visualisation of information for specific needs in the process. This paper explores how combining principles of Visual Control and BIM could improve information delivery from information producers to information users to reduce waste in searching and processing the information. The methods of literature study, Value Stream Mapping and Root Cause Analysis are used. Software-based Standardised Model Views (SMVs) and their automated creation from BIM, based on predefined use cases and end-user needs are proposed and illustrated. The use of SMVs facilitates Lean information management, thus reducing rework and time spent on waiting, increasing built-in quality and enhancing flow in production. Evaluated savings in a single subcontractor's work time are at least 10% when SMVs are used.

Platform ecosystems facilitated by the internet are changing the way market mechanisms work. The ... more Platform ecosystems facilitated by the internet are changing the way market mechanisms work. The platform ecosystem business model, using data and network effects, creates new rules for how value is created and delivered. The viral growth characteristic to platform ecosystems has already caused disruption in several industries. The purpose of the research is to explore business opportunities facilitated by the platform ecosystem business model in the construction sector through an example case of a residential building construction. The key concepts and underpinning logics of the platform ecosystem business model are defined. Interactions between the five lean principles and the platform ecosystem concept are reviewed. Finally, an example case of implementation is represented with the help of the platform business model canvas.

22nd Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, 2014

Efficient and flawless information management plays a key role in successful execution of constru... more Efficient and flawless information management plays a key role in successful execution of construction projects, but it has been difficult to implement in the traditional document-based environment. A root cause for waste in construction projects is inaccessible, inadequate or missing information. Necessary information is produced by several parties and it is often fragmented, inconsistent or in an impractical format. A lot of time is wasted-meaning that value is destroyed-in searching information needed for activities on construction site due to the fact that even if the information exists somewhere in the documents, it is not easily available. Visual control systems defined in Lean methodology strive for improving the value added flow. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can facilitate organisation and visualisation of information for specific needs in the process. This paper explores how combining principles of Visual Control and BIM could improve information delivery from information producers to information users to reduce waste in searching and processing the information. The methods of literature study, Value Stream Mapping and Root Cause Analysis are used. Software-based Standardised Model Views (SMVs) and their automated creation from BIM, based on predefined use cases and end-user needs are proposed and illustrated. The use of SMVs facilitates Lean information management, thus reducing rework and time spent on waiting, increasing built-in quality and enhancing flow in production. Evaluated savings in a single subcontractor's work time are at least 10% when SMVs are used.

Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, Jul 3, 2019

This study takes a critical look at Takt planning and takt control (TPTC) by analysing a successf... more This study takes a critical look at Takt planning and takt control (TPTC) by analysing a successful case project. In the study, the digital system architecture and collected data are used for providing a process breakdown and analysis in terms of waste and potential root causes. The paper shows how vulnerable the TPTC is for disruptions caused by a lead waste, making-do/task diminishment, and ad-hoc tolerance management. Based on the digital footprint of the project, an explanation is given why good results in terms of money, customer satisfaction, time and quality were achieved even though the takt was practically lost towards the end of the project. The results indicate that the excellent outcome of the project was not based on TPTC and steep learning curve. Instead, the results were achieved by exploiting the real-time situation awareness provided by the digitalised smart site and disciplined use of applications, as well as by a pragmatic approach to planning and leading work on-site. The validity of the results is limited as the conclusions are drawn based on only one TPTC project.

Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, Jul 14, 2021

Journal of Information Technology in Construction, 2015

In construction projects the changes and refinements of client requirements are often seen just a... more In construction projects the changes and refinements of client requirements are often seen just as a disturbance causing additional costs. However, today clients' business needs evolve constantly and therefore changes in the project requirements are inevitable. Simultaneously, the increasing competition forces companies to minimise unproductive capital costs. Therefore there is an economical pressure to shorten the construction time and the design and construction will be even more concurrent than today. There is clearly potential value to be created for customer by terms of collaborative design process. Fira is an innovative Finnish company which has developed its interactive and customer centric Verstas process since 2009. Fira is using service logic as a guiding principle in the development of collaborative design processes, such as Intensive Big Room (IBR), which is a combination of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and further development of Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE) and Big Room methodologies. The traditional project management methods are not efficient in managing late changes in customer's requirements. This article presents a new method combining collaborative design process, requirements management and IBR in a small sub-process-locking and ironmongery-in legacy construction project models. The sub-process was selected for the development of the method because it is a perfect example of the traditional fragmented process where efficient coordination between different participants and management of requirements are very difficult. However, the same principles can be applied to many other sub-processes too. The method combines service logic, value co-creation and use of IBR concept in a standard contract environment in a unique way which can give significant benefits to the companies able to adopt the presented concept in their business models. Using these methods Fira can now change its business model, differentiate with more attractive value proposal for customer, create more value than its competitors and capture value for securing its competitiveness in future.

CRC Press eBooks, Aug 21, 2014

Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, Jul 9, 2017

Platform ecosystems facilitated by the internet are changing the way market mechanisms work. The ... more Platform ecosystems facilitated by the internet are changing the way market mechanisms work. The platform ecosystem business model, using data and network effects, creates new rules for how value is created and delivered. The viral growth characteristic to platform ecosystems has already caused disruption in several industries. The purpose of the research is to explore business opportunities facilitated by the platform ecosystem business model in the construction sector through an example case of a residential building construction. The key concepts and underpinning logics of the platform ecosystem business model are defined. Interactions between the five lean principles and the platform ecosystem concept are reviewed. Finally, an example case of implementation is represented with the help of the platform business model canvas.

Proceedings of the 31st Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC31)

PICO is a framework that provides a conceptual guide for production system analysis and design in... more PICO is a framework that provides a conceptual guide for production system analysis and design in the construction industry. It has four key components: Production control mechanism, Information and communication system, Commercial terms, and Organizational structure. Each component is highly interdependent and has a set of detailed parameters and enumerated values. A comprehensive literature review, case studies, and analysis highlighted the knowledge gaps in current production system design frameworks. The PICO framework was originally devised to design a production system suited for short-takt production in residential construction, but it has been developed into a comprehensive mapping tool for the design and analysis of construction production systems in general. The paper shows an application of the framework to a takt system as a case study and an example of its application. The framework expands the current understanding of production systems in construction, offering new insights and a comprehensive approach to designing new production systems.

PPC (Plan Percent Complete) is a measurement tool in Last Planner which has been used mainly in p... more PPC (Plan Percent Complete) is a measurement tool in Last Planner which has been used mainly in production phase. However, there are some other studies in which PPC measurement has been used in design phase and we believe it has an important role there too. The aims of this study were to test 1) how modified PPC measurement fits to the design management, 2) how to develop and measure PPC for this project 3) what are the participants’ opinions on this modified PPC. A modified PPC (task list) was used in this study. A total of six measurements were done. Five project participants were included in the measurement and their opinions on the modified task list were recorded. Measured PPC values varied from 30 % to 100 % and the average was 73 %. According to the participants, a task list had a positive effect on their work. The conclusion was that the modified PPC measurement seems to be an appropriate tool for design management. It was accepted by designers and will be used in future pro...

Proc. 29th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC), 2021

eWork and eBusiness in Architecture, Engineering and Construction, 2018

Proc. 27th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC), 2019

This study takes a critical look at Takt planning and takt control (TPTC) by analysing a successf... more This study takes a critical look at Takt planning and takt control (TPTC) by analysing a successful case project. In the study, the digital system architecture and collected data are used for providing a process breakdown and analysis in terms of waste and potential root causes. The paper shows how vulnerable the TPTC is for disruptions caused by a lead waste, making-do/task diminishment, and ad-hoc tolerance management. Based on the digital footprint of the project, an explanation is given why good results in terms of money, customer satisfaction, time and quality were achieved even though the takt was practically lost towards the end of the project. The results indicate that the excellent outcome of the project was not based on TPTC and steep learning curve. Instead, the results were achieved by exploiting the real-time situation awareness provided by the digitalised smart site and disciplined use of applications, as well as by a pragmatic approach to planning and leading work on-site. The validity of the results is limited as the conclusions are drawn based on only one TPTC project.

25th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction, 2017

The Portfolio/Process/Operations (PPO) model is a novel approach to understanding the elements th... more The Portfolio/Process/Operations (PPO) model is a novel approach to understanding the elements that impact production systems in the world of construction. Building on prior work such as the "Transformation-Flow-Value" (TFV) theory, the PPO model adds a multi-and meta-project view through its consideration of the total "Portfolio" of projects and partners in which each company in the industry is engaged. Fira Palvelut is a Finnish contractor specializing in the refurbishment of bathrooms in the aging Finnish mass housing market. This paper examines Fira's efforts to improve their operations and finds that by addressing each of the elements of the PPO model, they have managed to build a robust and successful production system that dramatically outpaces the industry standard for project lead time. In the renovation sphere, this means customers must be out of their houses for significantly less time while the work is performed. In this paper, we give a background to the PPO model and Fira Palvelut's operations, and analyze their success through the lens of each element of the model.

Itcon Vol 20 Special Issue Ecppm 2014 10th European Conference on Product and Process Modelling Pg 146 158 Http Www Itcon Org 2015 11, 2015

In construction projects the changes and refinements of client requirements are often seen just a... more In construction projects the changes and refinements of client requirements are often seen just as a disturbance causing additional costs. However, today clients' business needs evolve constantly and therefore changes in the project requirements are inevitable. Simultaneously, the increasing competition forces companies to minimise unproductive capital costs. Therefore there is an economical pressure to shorten the construction time and the design and construction will be even more concurrent than today. There is clearly potential value to be created for customer by terms of collaborative design process. Fira is an innovative Finnish company which has developed its interactive and customer centric Verstas process since 2009. Fira is using service logic as a guiding principle in the development of collaborative design processes, such as Intensive Big Room (IBR), which is a combination of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and further development of Integrated Concurrent Engineering (ICE) and Big Room methodologies. The traditional project management methods are not efficient in managing late changes in customer's requirements. This article presents a new method combining collaborative design process, requirements management and IBR in a small sub-process-locking and ironmongery-in legacy construction project models. The sub-process was selected for the development of the method because it is a perfect example of the traditional fragmented process where efficient coordination between different participants and management of requirements are very difficult. However, the same principles can be applied to many other sub-processes too. The method combines service logic, value co-creation and use of IBR concept in a standard contract environment in a unique way which can give significant benefits to the companies able to adopt the presented concept in their business models. Using these methods Fira can now change its business model, differentiate with more attractive value proposal for customer, create more value than its competitors and capture value for securing its competitiveness in future.

Efficient and flawless information management plays a key role in successful execution of constru... more Efficient and flawless information management plays a key role in successful execution of construction projects, but it has been difficult to implement in the traditional document-based environment. A root cause for waste in construction projects is inaccessible, inadequate or missing information. Necessary information is produced by several parties and it is often fragmented, inconsistent or in an impractical format. A lot of time is wasted-meaning that value is destroyed-in searching information needed for activities on construction site due to the fact that even if the information exists somewhere in the documents, it is not easily available. Visual control systems defined in Lean methodology strive for improving the value added flow. Building Information Modelling (BIM) can facilitate organisation and visualisation of information for specific needs in the process. This paper explores how combining principles of Visual Control and BIM could improve information delivery from information producers to information users to reduce waste in searching and processing the information. The methods of literature study, Value Stream Mapping and Root Cause Analysis are used. Software-based Standardised Model Views (SMVs) and their automated creation from BIM, based on predefined use cases and end-user needs are proposed and illustrated. The use of SMVs facilitates Lean information management, thus reducing rework and time spent on waiting, increasing built-in quality and enhancing flow in production. Evaluated savings in a single subcontractor's work time are at least 10% when SMVs are used.

Platform ecosystems facilitated by the internet are changing the way market mechanisms work. The ... more Platform ecosystems facilitated by the internet are changing the way market mechanisms work. The platform ecosystem business model, using data and network effects, creates new rules for how value is created and delivered. The viral growth characteristic to platform ecosystems has already caused disruption in several industries. The purpose of the research is to explore business opportunities facilitated by the platform ecosystem business model in the construction sector through an example case of a residential building construction. The key concepts and underpinning logics of the platform ecosystem business model are defined. Interactions between the five lean principles and the platform ecosystem concept are reviewed. Finally, an example case of implementation is represented with the help of the platform business model canvas.