Graphical Pull Planning System for Construction Schedule Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current software systems fail to effectively facilitate the transition from the planning phase to the execution phase of pull plans in construction projects, lacking collaboration and live interpersonal cooperation, and struggle to manage day-to-day activities and unforeseen contingencies.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented project management system with a graphical user interface that allows for the creation and conversion of pull plans into schedules, enabling real-time management and collaboration among team members, using a visual metaphor similar to sticky notes on a wall, with features like ticket-based planning, column partitioning, and dependency management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper sticky notes on a wall are used for pull planning, then collaboration and live interpersonal cooperation are achieved, but the transition from planning phase to execution phase is difficult and day-to-day activity management is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical sticky note system, replicating its collaborative planning capabilities while adding execution management features. The software interface mimics the familiar sticky note metaphor, allowing teams to collaborate naturally while enabling easy transition to execution phase through digital functionality for tracking, notifications, and real-time updates.
2Productivity
If traditional CPM style project plans are created, then comprehensive scheduling is achieved, but the Lean pull planning approach and just-in-time execution cannot be effectively supported
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal planning system that integrates both CPM scheduling capabilities and Lean pull planning methodology. The software can handle traditional comprehensive scheduling requirements while simultaneously supporting the reverse-order pull planning approach, just-in-time execution tracking, and hybrid methodologies, making it adaptable to various project management styles.
3Device complexity
If pull plans are created without software support, then simplicity and direct team collaboration are maintained, but real-time management of execution phase and response to contingencies is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces software as an intermediary between the simple pull planning concept and efficient execution management. The system acts as a mediator that preserves the simplicity of the original sticky note approach while providing automated functionalities for real-time tracking, notifications, and contingency responses, thereby enhancing productivity without complicating the core planning process.
4Reliability
If software systems are designed to facilitate pull planning, then collaboration features improve, but the ability to manage day-to-day activities and transition to execution phase is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic system that adapts its functionality based on the project phase. The software transitions from emphasizing collaboration features during the planning phase to emphasizing execution management features during the implementation phase. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide appropriate capabilities at each stage without being constrained by a fixed functional design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for managing a pull-schedule. The system includes a schedule for completing at least one milestone, the schedule comprising an active schedule portion and a pull-schedule portion and one or more tickets that can be represented in the active schedule portion and/or the pull schedule portion, each ticket comprising a task to be completed to reach the at least one milestone. A scheduling service includes a pull column partitioning engine to scan the pull-schedule portion to define one or more columns with boundaries at the vertical positions that do not overlap with any tickets, a pull column assigning engine to assign the one or more tickets to a column and assign planned start and finish dates to the tickets, and a pull column activation engine to move a collection of a tickets contained in a pull column to the active schedule portion.


