3.5. Workstreams
In project production management, workstreams refer to distinct, goal-oriented sets of activities or tasks that contribute to the overall delivery of a project. Each workstream typically focuses on a specific function, phase, or discipline—such as design, procurement, construction, or commissioning—and is managed semi-independently while remaining coordinated with the broader project plan. In the context of Lean Construction and the Last Planner System® (LPS), workstreams are essential for breaking down complex projects into manageable, collaborative planning units. They help teams align on priorities, reduce variability, and improve flow across all phases of a project; from milestone planning to daily task execution.
vPlanner is purpose-built to support the management of production workstreams across all phases of the LPS workflow. It enhances workstream management through:
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Integrated Planning Views: vPlanner provides multiple synchronized views (Gantt, Kanban, Swimlanes) to visualize and manage workstreams in real time.
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Pull Planning Engine: It uses a built-in pull-planning calculation engine to prioritize tasks based on downstream needs, ensuring that each workstream stays aligned with project goals.
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Phase-Based Organization: Workstreams can be organized by project phase (e.g., design, construction, commissioning) and takt zones, enabling location-based and time-based planning
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Commitment Management: Teams can track and manage commitments within each workstream, improving accountability and reliability.
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Scalability: vPlanner supports thousands of activities, making it suitable for both small and mega projects with multiple concurrent workstreams.
By structuring production around clearly defined workstreams and enabling real-time collaboration, vPlanner helps teams maintain control, adapt quickly, and continuously improve project delivery.