What is Lean Construction?
Lean construction (LC) is a production strategy that aims to cut costs, waste, time, and effort. Essentially, the methodology is to reduce the negative and increase the positive. The goal of applying lean construction concepts is to maximize a project’s value and output while eliminating waste and time delays.
This may appear difficult to comprehend, but the essence of this approach is to use only what is required. This can only be accomplished by strategic planning and execution by management with the participation and assistance of all employees.
It’s important to remember that lean construction is a mindset with ideas and philosophies, not a specific action plan with tools and methods. The concepts of LC are universal across all industries.
Pros and Cons of Using Lean Construction
Pros
- Using fewer materials and producing less waste can significantly lower overall expenses. Using this practice has been demonstrated to boost the bottom line, despite the fact that the principle of lean construction is focused on total reduction rather than profit.
- Increased Pre-construction planning and strategic vision can significantly cut construction time.
- Through enhanced worker focus and comprehension, there will be fewer accidents and a higher rate of safety.
- Improved scheduling predictability and consistency.
- Increased communication and fewer personnel resulted in better overall results.
- Because there are fewer workers, there is less stress for both workers and management.
- Due to a higher rate of planning, overall production has increased.
- Profits and turnovers will increase, as has consumer satisfaction.
- Employee accountability is improved.
- More performance commitment as a result of increased job satisfaction.
Cons
- For this style of building to be effective, all levels of management, as well as the employees, must be on board with the strategy. The lean methodology will not work if there is a break in the chain.
- It’s not easy to convince everyone to adopt a new production approach, and some people may be resistant to change.
- Management officials must be able to guide personnel directly and efficiently for successful implementation. In essence, the lean mode of operation is determined by a manager’s ability to interact with his people rather than the usual procedure, and personality clashes and other challenges may develop.
- Employee training and education in the lean method takes time and effort, and as previously said, some employees may dislike or struggle with change.
- For some managers, staying on track with a new system of operation can be challenging, and they may become irritated.
- Lean manufacturing requires cohesive teamwork. Because all workers rely on one another, each worker must be well-versed in his or her profession.
- Employee training for a new system can take some time, which can cut down on overall project or design time.
- Management must be aware of any production difficulties because a system failure is possible. It can be difficult for all personnel to stay aware of changes in operations.
- The change in production must be communicated to suppliers and distributors, which could cause issues.
- Because of the policy change, there may be a temporary drop in staff morale.
What is Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)?
IPD is a method that brings all project stakeholders together early to clearly identify a project vision and sketch out a plan to accomplish that vision cooperatively.
Prior to beginning the design phase, the owner selects the project team. This group of project stakeholders gathers to clarify the vision, share knowledge and suggestions, and collaborate on choices. The knowledge that each stakeholder brings to the table early in the planning phase helps owners avoid the rising costs and prolonged schedules that might haunt them later in the project’s life cycle.
This team can use their skills to optimize value and boost efficiency by incorporating lean principles and searching for opportunities to improve the project throughout the process.
This will take a little more time and effort upfront, but it will ensure a collaborative approach that allows your chosen team to get on the same page early on and sort out any potential concerns. You can consult to Design Build Consultant for successfully design and plan a project by forming a synergistic team of stakeholders, and you may considerably decrease or eliminate the need for costly and time-consuming change orders once the project is underway.
Pros and Cons of IPD
Pros
- Reduce waste in project planning.
- Determine who should be contacted for each project assignment.
- Increase job efficiency.
- Boost the project’s worth.
- Enhance construction techniques.
- Develop new strategies for approaching fieldwork.
- Reduce your expenses.
- Create novel approaches to achieving objectives.
- Improve production procedures, which will lower the client’s overall project expenses.
Cons
Integrated Project Delivery has a number of advantages, but it also has certain disadvantages. To improve the entire project, this delivery style requires teams to give (and take). This type of ebb and flow can provide challenges to teams that will bear the brunt of the effort in order to help the project succeed overall.
Even when they are compelled to delegate routine duties to other team members, it is essential that each team member understands their contributions to the project’s overall success. High-functioning teams require strong partners while pursuing innovative ideas. This will necessitate team members being adaptable, knowledgeable, and ready at all times.
This procedure will reveal team members’ skills and flaws, motivating the stronger members to work more.