Analysis and optimization of manufacturing operations using lean principles and knowledge discovery in databases

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Many work packages, or groups of activities, within a construction project can be organized into productionlines to produce a specific outcome. For example, kitchen cabinets are normally designed as per customerneeds and manufactured in controlled factories. Westridge Cabinets faces several challenges typical ofconstruction manufacturing facilities that handle a wide range of product customization. These include the needto (i) develop a robust workflow to account for diverse customer types and sizes; (ii) analyze currentproduction processes and identifying bottlenecks; (iii) improve and streamline existing production lines tooptimize the operations of different interrelated processes; (iv) integrate state-of-the-art solutions to create asafer work environment; and (v) enhance product design to minimize material and process waste while meetingcustomer needs. The proposed research incorporates optimization and simulation methods as well as analysisand evaluation of construction management techniques at the collaborating company's plant. The goal is todevelop a comprehensive framework by conducting the proposed research in five stages over a period of sixmonths: (1) study and analyze current production processes and operations; (2) collect and analyze productiondata; (3) identify deficiencies and areas of possible improvements; (4) develop and test proposedimprovements; and (5) establish future research and development strategy. The Canadian residential andcommercial construction sector stands to benefit from this research applying lean principles to constructionplanning, management, control, and safety in order to improve productivity and increase customer satisfactionthrough increased fulfillment rate and reduced back-orders. Successful management and improvement throughthis research will enable the industry partner to compete profitably in the market while also providing testedmethods/solutions to benefit the industry in general.