In the 1990s, a cross-functional team created a value stream map of a large commercial project. Preplanning was a key to eliminate waste throughout the project, therefore, the Company's WorkSmart Program was developed. Preplanning a job includes the estimator, CAD, Project Manager, Foreman or Superintendent and the crew.
In 2006, a full-time Lean Coordinator position was filled internally to focus lean efforts in the office. In that time, 40 projects were completed and more are in process with departments such as Marketing, Estimating, CAD, Human Resources, Information Technology, Risk Management, Safety, Shop, Accounting and Logistics.
To expand our lean efforts, our executives meet monthly to discuss their support of the program and their excitement to bring more lean tools out to our multiple jobsites in numerous states.
The meaning of lean is to eliminate waste by continuously improving any process. Here are 8 types of waste to eliminate in our processes:
1. Overproduction - working faster than required by next step
2. Waiting - unproductive time
3. Transportation - movement of information and materials
4. Excess Processing - steps with no value to product or service
5. Inventory - work in process
6. Defects - errors and rework
7. Motion - movement of people
8. Underutilized People - not using people's mental, creative and physical abilities
A few formal tools of lean:
Value Stream Mapping
- A team works together to map out each step of a current process.
- This identifies the amount of steps and how long it takes to complete the process.
- By mapping out the process, the problems or waste can be seen.
- Brainstorm ideas to eliminate the waste.
- Create a future state process and implement.
Suggested Resources/Articles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lean_Construction
http://www.lean.org/WhatsLean/
http://www.leanconstruction.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wili/Lean_manufacturing
Lean Construction: Eliminating the Waste
Reprinted from Construction Executive, November 2005, a publication of Associated Builders and Contractors. Copyright 2005. All rights reserved.
