Implementation of pull control in finishing works with re-entrant flow

Construction project activities exhibit high degrees of variation, especially during finishing works, as a result of uncertainty in supply chains, variations in work quantities, client changes and lack of predictability of the production capacity of subcontracting trades. Decisions must constantly be made concerning effective utilization of available resources. Re-entrant workflow patterns, where a trade crew returns twice or more to the same space, make production control even more difficult. We present a method for pull flow control at the operational level, even where re-entrant flow occurs. Pull of works is ach ieved through real-time prioritization of pending work-packages and daily regul ation of trades' production capacity. Application of various heuristics was evaluated and examined using discrete-event simulation of a representative constructi on project. Experimental results show how careful production system design, with daily evaluation and adjustments using heuristic production control rules, can improve flows that include re-entrant loops.