Lean construction is a “way to design systems to minimize wastage of materials, time, and effort in order to generate the maximum possible amount of value” (Koskela et al. 2002)
Lean Construction is the application of Lean (manufacturing) concepts in construction business. The goal of adopting lean in construction is to create a harmonious process where the products are developed at such a rate which meets the quality and delivery time promised to the customer. Therefore, producing “right first time, every time” becomes very essential in construction which means the eliminating the causes of errors at the source ie consistently reducing rework, subsequent design and/ or specification changes.
Lean thinking in construction advocates focus on minimizing time and efforts required for delivering the product and/or service. resulting in engaged people, stable processes, satisfied customers, growth & profitability in an organisation. The 4Ps framework is very much applicable in Lean construction as well:
What we do
What is Lean Transformation – Read here
The widely known & used Lean tools & techniques – Read here
The benefits of implementing Lean construction are:
- Satisfied customers
- Reduced defects and rework
- Reduced lead time or throughput time
- Optimum cost
- Improved productivity
- Lower process times
- Better utilization of equipment and space
- Improved flexibility
- Multi skilled worker
Lean has been successfully applied in construction businesses like
- Residential building
- Commercial building
- Industrial construction
- Bridges, Canals, Dams…
- Airports, roads…
- Power generation