Finding and implementing efficiencies has been the key to success in most manufacturing practices and industries. Over 50% of construction projects are still over budget and delivered late. So, in Lean Construction Institute (LCI) founded in 1997.
Lean Construction improves the overall design-construction process of creating new projects while also controlling construction costs. Personally, I think the key to their success is getting professionals out of their silos and getting them to share their knowledge. How does Lean Construction work?
- Lean Construction is a methodology for improving reliability by reducing waste and enhancing owner value through lean manufacturing principles.
- Lean proves its value by reducing wasted time, resources and opportunities, while also increasing the likelihood that the project will be completed ahead of schedule and under budget.
REMOVE:
Wasted time
Wasted movement
Wasted human potential
- It values active participation and input from every member of the team – from workers, project executives and clients themselves.
- It utilizes the Last Planner® System and its four distinct steps: plan, do, check and act.
RESULTS:
Better time productivity
Reduced safety hazards
Cost savings
Staying on schedule is a huge factor to staying on budget. Errors in design or production require rework and creates waste. Utilizing “just in time” purchasing and delivery practices can help eliminate some of these factors. Any movement of people or products that do not add value to these processes represent waste. These are new concepts and ways of thinking – but sometimes change can be good.
Project deliverables are important, but employee retention and safer worksites provide greater project value, too.
Construction management and design-build approaches lend themselves to Lean Construction because it is not solely based on lump-sum bidding / pricing. A quality team that is allowed open dialog is key to a project’s success.