Modelling and managing project complexity

The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry, like many others, is increasingly aware of the need to improve efficiency and effectiveness to thrive in an increasingly competitive marketplace. A key discovery in their search for improvements is the benefits of repeatability in both processes and products. However, although the latter has seen significant advances, such as the adoption of pre-assembly and standardised components and systems, the industry has experienced far greater difficulties identifying ways of capturing, understanding, and replicating work processes. The identification and removal of waste from the process can only be achieved once the process has been captured. Their repeated use and development, combined with analysis with the Analytical Design Planning Technique, enable the improvement of work practices and culture in terms of integration, decision-making and reductions in re-work

Benefits derived from use of DSM as part of the ADePT approach to managing engineering projects

Papers have been presented on the ADePT planning and management approach at DSM Conferences going back to 2000. The approach is now in widespread use in industrial applications, ranging from a US$4M building fit-out project to a £4Bn urban redevelopment project, and a number of practices have been established to ensure design planning and control is undertaken in the most effective way possible. The impacts of the approach’s use have recently been assessed, highlighting a number of areas where benefit is derived and showing a significant return on the investment required to implement the technique