Welcome to "Construction as a Manufacturing Process"! This course meticulously examines how manufacturing principles can revitalize the construction industry. Despite differing perceptions, construction can be viewed as a manufacturing process, transforming materials and information into goods that satisfy human needs.

We'll delve into topics like Business Process Re-engineering (BPR), Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM), and Lean Production, drawing insights from the Pan-European Eureka CIMsteel Project. Our goal is to bridge the gap between traditional craft-based construction and the efficiency of modern manufacturing sectors.

Key learning outcomes include:

• Understanding the redefinition of manufacturing and engineering applicable to construction.
• Exploring the historical evolution of production from craft to mass production and Lean Production.
• Analyzing the limitations of traditional mass production and the shift towards integrated systems.
• Examining Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) and its application in Computer Integrated Construction (CIC).
• Discovering the core philosophy and benefits of Lean Production in project delivery.
• Grasping Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) and its role in re-inventing construction processes.
• Investigating the CIMsteel Project's findings on industry weaknesses and proposed solutions.
• Learning about standardization, prefabrication, and systems building for industrializing construction.
• Understanding the evolution of the contractor to a system integrator and the importance of service over commodity production.

By the end of this course, you will possess a comprehensive understanding of how to apply proven manufacturing strategies to achieve higher productivity, reduced costs, and improved quality in the construction sector, transforming it into a truly production-led industry.