How to Implement the Principles of Lean Construction Using 3 Strategies

The principles of lean construction represent the contemporary ideology that aims to increase productivity and efficiency. It is a broad mindset that forward-thinking builders have adapted to eliminate the construction process elements that are unnecessary and increase profit. 

Essentially, lean construction has a high-level overview when it comes to a construction project. It involves the study of the works of architects, contractors, engineers, and suppliers. Here are the major approaches and strategies that can be used to implement the principles of lean construction. 

Understand Waste 

The enactment of the principles of lean construction should be focused on the identification and analysis of every segment’s value in the construction process. This ideology should focus on removing inefficient parts and eliminating them from a project. This should start with an understanding of the waste role. 

Physical objects like overproduced parts, excess materials and defects are examples of waste in a construction project. However, waste can also include the excess time that is spent waiting for instructions or materials. Even misusing or underutilizing personnel is waste. Therefore, the study and evaluation of the construction process can help in the identification of the weak spots that lead to wastage and the best ways to reduce or eliminate them to enhance efficiency while saving money and time. 

Commitment and Flexibility 

Adopting the principles of lean construction requires openness and flexibility because every job should be approached differently. For instance, more pre-construction planning is required for large-scale construction jobs. Thus, such jobs will require more time than smaller jobs. 

However, the application of lean principles can take a trial and error approach before the best plan can be perfected. How you think about lean construction can alter operations. And, it can take years of incremental and slow progress before results become visible. 

Organizational Principles Evaluation 

A top-to-down approach is required to implement the principles of lean construction. And, the top managers and executives should take the lead in this movement. That’s because no specific guidelines for this implement have been established so far. Nevertheless, some considerations should be kept in mind to ensure the successful application of the efficiencies of lean construction. 

These include a dedication to altering and improving the workflow and removal of waste. Contractors and managers should also be under pressure to ensure efficiency when it comes to the appropriate use of materials and ensuring their timely delivery. Shifting the employees’ mindset is also very important. Lean principles should always be in the mind of everybody involved throughout the project life cycle. 

Use these strategies to implement the principles of lean construction more effectively.