Given the improvements for enterprise realized by a Lean approach, I propose we begin to think about how a Lean approach can benefit work and society in a broader context. We know that Lean benefits migrate easily across different organizations serving the same supply chain or the same project. Can communities realize similar benefits from […]
A thank you to Larry Borins from Pinck & Co. Plus: Better room, content from guest speaker, all members of the class present, guest speaker. Delta: Enroll more people in the class; include more information about design; include more information about subcontracts.
Graduate Class Session – Contracting Methods Comparison Read More »
Plus: Organizing plan visually by building level was helpful; trade foreman and project manager input into plan is helpful. Delta: Provide the team with more advance knowledge regarding flow strategy and level of detail required for plan; organize the relationships between tasks better; trades should bring the drawings they used for estimate takeoff to planning
Phase Pull Plan – Building Structure and Envelope Read More »
A major Delta for Lean workshops. Learners want short, 2-page Lean introductions to read prior to the workshop. They requested bullet points and pictures.
Preparing for Lean Workshops: What Learners Want Read More »
Of course I believe the statement in the subject line. But this time the statement came from a trade contractor project manager participating in today’s workshop. Lean projects require engagement of the people directly involved in producing the work. You can’t substitute senior people for front line people in the learning process. Glad as he
Construction Foremen Need to Learn Lean Construction Read More »
There are many rich concepts discussed in Daniel Kahneman’s book, Thinking Fast and Slow that apply to building design and construction projects. One that deserves attention by those reluctant to apply a Lean strategy toward their projects is Theory Induced Blindness. The concept is simple. Once people have experienced apparent success with a theory they
Is Theory Induced Blindness Keeping You from a Successful Project Read More »
Here’s a tip to make life on the job site easy on yourself and your colleagues. Orient your plan table so that the north direction on the drawings aligns with north on the site. Normally that means that the table is on the north wall of the office. The same applies to your large screen
Job Site Office Orientation Read More »
The Last Planner System (R) of Production Control includes a Daily Coordination Meeting for reviewing project task commitments and adjusting when there is a variance to the plan, or an opportunity to improve upon the plan is identified. Daily measurement is a valuable practice regardless of your industry or discipline. Doug Fleener, retail experience authority
What Do You Measure Daily? Read More »
A team completing a one day introductory Lean and Last Planner(R) System of Production Control workshop provided the following assessment of the day. PLUS: The importance of thinking about working collaboratively with other people on the project; and understanding of why and how Lean principles can be applied; Preparation for upcoming phase planning session. DELTA:
Lean Training Plus-Delta Read More »
Working in a Lean way needs to become habitual. One effective method, in addition to daily huddles and a daily review of promises made and accepted, is participating in a short daily discussion centered around your current project and a selection of Lean topics. The following are ideas from a team following a recent 30-day
Thoughts on Daily Lean Coaching Read More »
