How does the Last Planner system work in practice?

In practice, the Last Planner system begins with the creation of a long-term project plan that defines all the main tasks and milestones. This is followed by weekly meetings in which the "Last Planners" - the people responsible for the work of the planned section - create and review detailed short-term plans. These meetings determine which tasks are to be completed in the coming week, only committing to what is realistically achievable. Once the tasks are completed, the results are evaluated and the process is continuously adjusted and optimized.

But how does LPS work in practice, especially when combined with software?

In practice, LPS means that all the key players in a construction project come together regularly to plan the next steps. Instead of just giving instructions from above, LPS brings everyone involved to the table. Everyone can contribute their opinion and make realistic commitments as to when certain work will be completed. This collaborative planning ensures that the schedule remains realistic and that everyone knows exactly what needs to be done and when.

An important aspect of LPS is the regular review and adjustment of plans. Construction projects are often complex and unexpected changes can occur at any time. LPS makes it possible to react quickly to such changes and adapt the plan to avoid delays.

Use of software: What should you look out for with the Last Planner?

The digital version of LPS uses specialized software tools to make planning even more efficient. Such tools facilitate communication, provide a better overview of project progress and help to react quickly to changes. However, there are a few points to bear in mind when selecting and using LPS software:

1. Ease of use: the software should be easy to use so that everyone involved - even those who are less tech-savvy - can use it without any problems.

2. Real-time updates: Good LPS software offers the option of reacting to changes in real time. This allows everyone involved to see immediately if something changes in the plan and act accordingly.

3. Integration with other tools: Construction projects often already use other software, e.g. for ordering materials or controlling. LPS software should be able to be seamlessly integrated into this existing software landscape.

4. Transparency and overview: The software should offer a clear and concise presentation of tasks, responsibilities and progress. This makes it easier to maintain an overview and identify problems in good time.

Save time with construction software? You can:

The use of LPS software can save a considerable amount of time. Efficient and transparent planning avoids misunderstandings and unnecessary waiting times. In practice, it has been shown that construction projects can often be completed significantly faster with LPS because delays are identified and rectified at an early stage. Our experience reports from the industry suggest that the time saved by LPS in combination with software can be between 10% and 30%, depending on the size of the project. This not only means faster completion, but also lower costs and less stress for everyone involved.

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