What Is The Last Planner System Pull Plan?

What Is the Last Planner System Pull Plan?

In this blog, we’re diving into one of the most powerful planning tools in Lean construction: Pull Planning, a core part of the Last Planner System. Whether you’re new to the concept or want a clearer understanding of how to run a pull plan, this blog will walk you through both the theory and practical steps, straight from the field and the book Takt Planning and the Art of the Builder.

What Is Pull Planning?

Pull planning is a collaborative scheduling method where trade partners work backwards from a target milestone (like “ready for drywall”) to plan the sequence of work required to get there. Instead of pushing tasks forward based on general assumptions, each stakeholder “pulls” their work into the plan based on real, on-the-ground conditions and dependencies.

It’s essentially a marriage between what the project needs and what each trade needs to succeed.

Key Elements of a Successful Pull Plan:

1. Conditions of Satisfaction:

Before the meeting begins:

• Communicate the pull plan date, location, and milestone.
• Ask trade partners to prepare their scope in advance using a provided template.
• Clarify what success looks like for the meeting — everyone aligned and satisfied.

2. Milestone Clarity:

Reiterate the start and end milestones during the meeting, even if they’ve been communicated earlier. Clarity helps avoid confusion and keeps everyone on the same page.

Example:

• Start Milestone: Concrete complete, reshores removed, floor cleaned.
• End Milestone: Inspections complete, ready for sheetrock.

3. Sticky Note Format:

Each activity (or “sticky”) should include:

• Duration.
• Activity Name.
• Needs (aka predecessors or constraints).

Color-code stickies by trade for clear visual management.

Pull Planning in Action:

1. Set the Stage:

• Choose a single representative zone (not an entire floor).
• Define your start and end milestones for that zone.
• Establish rules collaboratively (e.g., one person speaks at a time, no moving others’ stickies).

2. Run the Plan:

• Begin from the end milestone and move backward.
• Each trade adds their task based on what they need from the prior team.
• The facilitator ensures all dependencies are documented and placed visually in sequence.

3. Check and Refine:

Once the backward plan is complete:

• Walk through the sequence forwards to verify logic and uncover opportunities for parallel work.
• Adjust where needed to improve workflow and crew leveling.

From Pull Plan to Takt Plan:

A pull plan for a single zone becomes the foundation of a Takt plan:

• Once the flow for that zone is verified, it’s copied down the board at regular Takt time intervals (e.g., every 3 days).
• This forms a rhythm across all zones, allowing for predictable, consistent work.

You’ll also:

• Adjust crew sizes and durations to maintain flow.
• Ensure trades are leveled (no overburdened or idle crews).
• Confirm zones are based on work density, not just square footage.

Final Thoughts:

Pull planning isn’t just about sticky notes and colorful boards. It’s about respecting the knowledge of the people closest to the work, collaborating for shared success, and building flow into the project from day one. When done right, it reduces chaos, eliminates guesswork, and helps teams hit milestones with confidence.