Key Principles Used in Lean Construction

Posted by Eric on December 15th, 2022

In all honesty, a lot of construction companies are embracing and utilizing lean methodology. This concept emphasizes enhancing business and construction values for customers whilst reducing wastage of time, money and other resources.

Lean methodology uses a simple yet worthwhile approach. It is preferred in industries having tight budgets, urgent timeframes and a top priority for safety, and all of them are key to projects being delivered. Yet project delivery is different here in comparison to traditional construction methods. What it requires in terms of project execution is proper execution of techniques and philosophy which aren’t easy to implement in the construction industry.

The methodology of Lean Construction borrows ideas from Toyota Motor Company’s manufacturing approach created following the Second World War. Yet it is easy to produce outcomes which are repeatable and can be easily forecasted especially in a controlled environment. Factory floors are predictable in comparison to construction sites.

The reason why construction sites are tricky is because there is more variation and more workflow disruptions due to a wide array of factors. Most expert services providers in the industry are aware of the dynamics which came after the COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, a lot of construction companies have ended up being bankrupt due to construction claims.

It is also worth noting that Lean Construction does not utilize any single approach using the adage ‘one size fits all’ due to its unique nature. A wide range of tools, like the Last Planner System, Building Information Modelling, Integrated Project Delivery, the 5s, and Kaizen Events are utilized in a unique combination to achieve the lean construction outcomes and nature.

Practitioners are hence given a wide array of options which can be applied to each project nicely. Yet there are a wide number of guiding principles helping firms attain optimized expenses, a reduction in time spent on construction work, improved productivity and effective project management. The methodology represents a holistic approach in construction and construction project management.

Identifying value from the customer’s perspective and viewpoint

The traditional approach of construction focused on what customers wanted companies to make, what is part of the specifications and what the plans included. On the other hand, lean construction is different because it recognizes customers’ values are much deeper than the traditional expectations.

It is not about what is to be built. It is also about why it should be built. Understanding the true value of the customer’s point of view needs a whole new level of trust which is created early in the project’s planning stages.

Lean construction helps bring together all shareholders, especially the project owners, architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors as well as suppliers. The project team delivers not just what clients want but also advice and also mold expectations throughout the project’s cycle.

Defining the value stream

Once a clear understanding has been made from the customer’s point of view, construction companies can hence lay out all needed processes for delivering top-class value. This is what professionals refer to as a value stream.

For each work activity carried out, the value stream helps define labor needed, information about the project in detail being presented, the kind of equipment needed for use, and the materials needed. Any kind of steps or resources which do not add value are thus removed.

Waste reduction

One of the key objectives of lean construction is removal or reduction of waste at each instance. The methodology takes aim at the following major kinds of waste:

• Identifying Defects.

• A thing called Overproduction.

• Waiting.

• Not utilizing talent.

• Waste of Transport.

• Inventory Waste.

• Wastage of motion.

• Over processing leads to wastage too.

Uninterrupted workflow

One of the best features of lean construction methodology is that it is a continuous and uninterrupted workflow which is both predictable and reliable. The sequence is crucial when it comes to construction work i.e. no one can start making the frame unless and until the foundations have been laid and set. 

This is why clear communication channels are needed between everyone involved to help with dispute avoidance. When one part of the project is either behind or ahead of schedule, everyone should know what to do and what not to do. It helps in getting the needed adjustments being made seamlessly.