What does LEAN construction mean?

 

The intention of LEAN construction is to seek better methods for meeting customer demands, and to create more efficient operations as a result. The workflow is continuously monitored and streamlined by management. The LEAN process will adapt to the requirements of the project itself. In the LEAN process, waste is eliminated in favour of creating reliable work processes and predictable schedules (most value will be delivered in less time). The objective of LEAN thinking is to keep the team working together on predetermined deliverables at a constant pace thereby eliminating redundancies and guaranteeing maximum profitability.

 

To adopt the LEAN construction, the following principles need to be understood:

 

·                  Identify the value from the point of view of the customer.

·                  Understanding the value streams by which value is delivered.

·                  Pursue perfection in the tasks.

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LEAN construction principles (integrated LEAN project delivery)

 

LPS is a key element in the LEAN project delivery system and approaches to collaboratively align people, systems, business processes and practices to harness the talents and insights of all participants so that they can optimise value for the client, whilst creating an appropriate return for all stakeholders, reducing waste and maximising effectiveness through all phases of the project.

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Applying LEAN concepts into projects

 

LEAN implementation begins with leadership commitment and is sustained with a culture of continuous improvement.

 

·                  Select suppliers who are willing to adapt LEAN project delivery.

·                  Structure the project organisation to allow money to move in pursuit of the best project-level returns.

·                  Define and align project scope, budget and schedule.

·                  Explore adaption and development of methods.

·                  Make design decisions (concurrent designs).

·                  Practice production control in accordance with LEAN principles.

·                  Implement JIT and multi-organisational processes after site demand.

·                  Use evaluations and planning on process that transform materials.

·                  Use computer modelling to integrate product and process design.

·                  Apply value stream mapping to make visible all the steps in the process.

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The diagram below illustrates the integration of the LEAN principles:

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