An investigation of advantages and disadvantages of off-site manufacturing: a meta-synthesis

Abstract

The construction industry in most developing countries suffers from severe problems due to lack of quality in their final products. Off-site manufacturing (OSM) plays a significant role in increasing project efficiency, through transferring production processes out of the construction site. This is a useful solution tested in most industrial countries around the world. This study aims to identify and classify advantages and disadvantages of applying the OSM in the construction industry, which are extracted from in-depth literature review. For that, simultaneous application of meta synthesis approach is run to investigate both OSM advantages and disadvantages. Introducing the advantages and disadvantages of applying OSM motivates the construction industry activists to provide better opportunities for its systematic implementation. The OSM simply facilitates a safer construction site and faster construction process. The final frameworks of advantages and disadvantages concluded in this study clarify the need for implementation of such a newly presented technology.