So, what is lean construction, and what does it look like?<\/p>\n
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Introducing lean construction concepts<\/h2>\n
At its simplest, lean construction is an approach to construction management<\/a> which attempts to remove as much waste as possible from a project while still delivering an end product that meets the customer\u2019s requirements.<\/p>\n Lean design and construction draw on the concept of lean manufacturing, which was developed by Japanese auto firm Toyota in the aftermath of WWII. Toyota developed a remarkably successful manufacturing process which focused exclusively on what end customers valued, then designed products which met those desires and eliminated any unnecessary waste. It has since been adopted in a wide variety of industries \u2013 from software engineering to healthcare.<\/p>\n A lean approach is as much about an overarching philosophy as it is about specific tools or methods. Broadly speaking, it involves the following three key ingredients:<\/p>\n The goal of lean production is to find out what the customer really wants. This is about more than just the number of units in a block of flats, for instance. Instead, it is about eliciting detailed information about what the customer values. For example, in a development aimed at first time buyers, do your target customers really want balconies, or would they be just as happy with a communal roof garden?<\/p>\n By identifying what the customer values, you can eliminate \u2018extras\u2019 which they don\u2019t really want or need. The architect may, for instance, wish to add a certain kind of panelling as a design signature. However, the end customer may not really value the design \u2013 in which case it should be eliminated.<\/p>\n This is one of the most important lean construction concepts. Throughout the project, there needs to be a near-continual feedback loop where every team is constantly communicating with others about what needs to be done. Each team\u2019s manager needs to also focus on how their activities could be improved. This could be something as simple as investing \u00a3100 in a new tool organising unit which, over the course of a few months, saves workers hundreds of hours searching for drill bits or wire cutters.<\/p>\n To help describe the difference between traditional processes and lean design and construction, the following table provides some examples.<\/p>\n\n
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Lean construction practices versus traditional projects<\/span><\/h2>\n