The Last Planner System® (LPS) is one of the most important tools used within Lean Construction, which supports construction teams in efficient planning, improved work coordination, and increased productivity. This system emphasizes collaboration and process transparency, which translates into better predictability, elimination of downtimes, and resource optimization. The main goals of LPS are improving schedule execution, reducing waste, and increasing the engagement of all project participants.
In this article, we will explain exactly what the Last Planner System® is, what its key elements are, and what benefits its implementation can bring. We will also discuss how to plan and effectively implement this system in practice.
What is the Last Planner System®?
Last Planner System® is a planning method based on collaboration, involving all of the project's key parties—from the general contractor, through subcontractors, to the work teams. The name comes from the idea that the "last planners"—those directly responsible for executing the work—play a key role in creating realistic schedules and ensuring their implementation.
LPS differs from traditional planning methods in that, instead of having the schedule imposed by management, the teams executing the work collectively establish realistic deadlines and commit to meeting them. As a result, predictability of activities is significantly improved, delays are minimized, and resources are utilized more efficiently.
Key principles of the Last Planner System®
- Active engagement of the last planners
Traditional construction planning is based on decisions made by management, which often do not take into account the actual conditions on the construction site. In LPS, the people directly responsible for executing the work (e.g., subcontractor team leaders) participate in developing the schedule, ensuring that the plans are realistic and that there is greater accountability for their execution.
- Transparency and Communication
LPS introduces open and systematic communication among all project participants. Regular meetings (e.g., weekly briefings – Weekly Work Plan) allow for the discussion of progress, challenges, and necessary adjustments to the schedule. As a result, everyone has a complete picture of the situation and can respond effectively to emerging problems.
- Workflow management
This system focuses on the smooth execution of work, not just on its completion. By eliminating downtimes, tasks performed out of sequence, and ensuring better synchronization of activities among various teams, the project is carried out more efficiently.
- Commitments and Responsibility
Project participants, by committing to complete specific tasks within the agreed timeframe, increase their accountability for the schedule. As a result, the number of delays and issues arising from unmet commitments is reduced.
Elements of the Last Planner System®
- Master Plan – The Main Project Plan
The Master Plan is a general schedule for the entire project, outlining the main stages of the investment's implementation. It is created at the beginning of the project and provides an overall outline of the work process, including key milestones, deadlines for the completion of individual phases, and the key dependencies between tasks.
- Phase Planning
Phase Planning is the stage in which the Master Plan is divided into more detailed project phases. Within this process, teams working in different areas of the construction collaboratively define detailed tasks and the key dependencies between them. This makes planning more detailed and flexible, giving the teams better control over the progress of work.
- Lookahead Planning
During this stage, tasks for several weeks ahead (typically 3 to 6 weeks) are analyzed, potential obstacles identified, and preventive actions prepared. Resources, the availability of materials, and coordination between different teams are all taken into account.
- Weekly Work Plan
The most important stage of LPS, where the teams commit to completing specific tasks in the upcoming week. The schedule is based on realistic capabilities, which increases the predictability of the project's execution.
- Make Ready Process
Working teams identify potential issues related to resources, material availability, and other factors that could affect timely execution. Eliminating these obstacles before work begins minimizes the risk of downtime.
- Daily Huddle – Daily Operational Meetings
Short, daily briefings allow teams to monitor progress, discuss current issues, and quickly respond to changes. As a result, the project becomes more flexible and resilient to unforeseen situations.
- Percent Plan Complete (PPC) – Measuring Efficiency
PPC is an indicator that shows the percentage of planned tasks that have actually been completed. Analyzing this indicator helps identify problems and implement corrective actions.
- Retrospective and Improvement
Regular analyses of shortcomings and successes allow for continuous improvement of processes and help avoid the same mistakes in the future.
How to Implement the Last Planner System®?
- Define Project Goals – Establish the key milestones, success metrics, and potential risks.
- Engage All Stakeholders – General contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers should actively participate in the planning process.
- Design Supportive Tools – Planning boards, digital monitoring systems, and schedule visualization.
- Regular Meetings and Performance Analysis – Consistently implement the Weekly Work Plan, Daily Huddle, and Lookahead Planning.
- Monitoring and Optimization – Analyzing PPC and conducting retrospectives help identify areas for improvement.
Benefits of Implementing LPS
- Increased Predictability – Better control over the schedule and elimination of delays.
- Improved Communication – Enhanced flow of information between teams.
- Reduced Downtime – Elimination of issues before work begins
- Greater Team Engagement – Participants actively take part in planning and assume responsibility for task execution.
- Better Budget Control – Reduction of unforeseen costs resulting from delays and errors.
Conclusion
Last Planner System® is one of the most effective planning tools in construction, increasing the efficiency and predictability of projects. By engaging all project participants, eliminating downtime, and continuously improving processes, LPS enables better adherence to schedules, enhanced quality, and cost optimization. Implementing this system requires commitment but brings tangible benefits that translate into the overall project's success.
