Improving Every Stage of Construction
Lean isn’t just a series of check boxes to us; it’s a way of life, from how we interact with each other and our customers to how we schedule and work on projects. It’s a system for people who, like us, are problem-solvers looking for a better, smarter way to build.
Lean Guides How We Plan, Build, and Improve
PLAN: Lean Planning
Our team utilizes P4 planning, a new approach crafted by our own Executive Lean Director, collaborating with other Lean experts from around the country. The P4 Planning approach takes a deeper dive into every phase of our work, improving our ability to visually manage and deliver on our promises.
P1-Process
This first step is really about mapping out the milestones to align everyone in the room around key deliverables, dates, and conditions of satisfaction. This way, everyone on the team is on the same page, working towards the same goal.
For this, we tend to use sticky notes. It may sound weird, but the sticky notes serve as a visual representation of the process. It gets people talking through the process, making sure everyone sees it the same way.
P2-Pace
Often referred to as Takt & Flow. Put simply, it is the flow of work between floors, rooms, and common areas among each trade.
Based on the order work needs to occur in, we work with other trade partners to map out the process of work. Once that flow is identified, we can work together to determine the sequence of installation and hand-offs between each trade to maximize efficiency and flow throughout the project life cycle.
P3-Prepare
The Prepare phase is where the planning for the installation begins. This step takes the “P1-Process” step and the “P2-Pace” step deeper, mapping out each room/phase as identified in the Takt & Flow plan step-by-step in six-week increments. Often referred to as The Last Planner System, this is a great way to collaborate among teams and trade partners to ensure projects run smoothly.
P4-Perform
The 4th P, Perform, centers around Conditions of Satisfaction for the project. In this phase, we clearly identify the items required to know when each phase in our plan can be marked as 100% finished. These steps align expectations with our clients so there is no question regarding what the customer expects and what we deliver.
DO: Lean Construction
With P4 Planning, we’ve seen improvements of 10% or more in our process efficiency, the time it takes on-site to get work done, and the number of people we need to do the work. Better planning means we’re able to deliver:
- Reduced waste on-site using just-in-time delivery schedules to the jobsites
- Enhanced efficiencies, eliminating unnecessary steps
- Enhanced production
- Reduced on-site labor
- Enhanced safety on job sites
- Enhanced craftsmanship and quality
- Reliable commitments to schedules
CHECK/ACT: Continuous Improvement
No Lean journey should be about change for the sake of change—it’s about using data and metrics to make smart changes.
We create standards of work that are continually tracked and measured. Pushing the boundaries forward time and time again.
A Leader’s View on Lean Excellence
Recent News
Explore All NewsLet’s Power What’s Next Together
Whether you’re planning your next project or your next career move, we’re ready to help you succeed.
