Examination of the effects of a KanBIM production control system on subcontractors' task selections in interior works

• Can BIM information systems help achieve pull flow control in construction work?
• We examine effects of a ‘KanBIM’ prototype on decisions made by construction crews.
• Subjects worked in a virtual construction site within a discrete event simulation.
• Use of the system improved the workflow and eliminated rework and other waste.
• It gave subjects situational awareness when selecting tasks for crews.

Work flow and productivity in construction project production systems can be improved through thoughtful planning with systematic avoidance of waste coupled with the use of appropriate production control systems. Collection and distribution of accurate, reliable and timeous information describing the states of the processes and products are essential. This study examined the effect of an information system based on building information modeling (BIM) on the decisions made by construction trade crews when determining their sequence of work. A prototype system, called “KanBIM”, was used by subjects working in a virtual construction site experimental setup using a virtual reality CAVE linked to a discrete event simulation engine, to guide their performance of “virtual” work in a building with sixteen apartments. The use of the system improved the process flow and eliminated waste. It gave the subjects situational awareness, leading them to perform the right work, reducing rework and time wasted.