Quantitative analysis of lean construction to enhance BIM implementation for FM: an SNA based approach

Purpose This study aims to use social network analysis (SNA) to quantitatively illustrate the extent to which various lean construction (LC) principles can help address the barriers affecting the implementation of building information modeling (BIM) for effective facility management (FM) of new and existing built assets. Design/methodology/approach A comprehensive analysis of the extant literature was done to identify the underlying barriers to BIM adoption during the operations and maintenance (O&M) phase and the role of LC in enhancing BIM implementation for FM. Additionally, eight BIM and Lean experts belonging to the Institute for Lean Construction Excellence (ILCE) were interviewed to understand the existing maturity of BIM in the O&M phase and the role of LC to enhance its implementation for effective FM. This study then used SNA-based tools for analyzing the collected matrix-based data that associates the LC principles with corresponding barriers. Findings The study concluded that LC principles can significantly address technical and non-technical barriers. Value for customers, developing partnerships and collaborations and standardization are found to be the most significant LC principles with high levels of degree centrality and eigenvector centrality. Originality/value The study’s results add to the existing body of knowledge by quantitatively establishing that LC principles can enhance the implementation and use of BIM for O&M of various new and existing facilities. The study also provides a roadmap for the construction stakeholders to implement lean culture in their organizations before adopting any digital innovation to comprehend continuous improvement.