In today’s world—where resources are increasingly scarce and their efficient use is absolutely essential—contractors are developing new technologies, tools and services to reduce carbon footprints and make the planet more sustainable. To effectively achieve construction labor efficiency and productivity, Universal Health Services has developed guidelines for successful design and construction project delivery that leverage lean.

When implemented accurately in construction and building, lean methodology—which is the minimization of waste while simultaneously optimizing productivity—projects can be measured by two key criteria: client outcome and design excellence. The success of any design project depends on the level of lean intensity, which refers to how many effective lean tactics are deployed within any given project.

From Task Production to Holistic Building Construction

While the construction industry historically has been slow to innovate, engineering and design professionals are now adopting more green codes to evolve their businesses operations. Lean construction methods, along with IoT solutions, empower professionals to take a holistic view of the broader project so that they can provide improved efficiency and less waste.

As more and more professionals in construction and design are changing their workflows to adapt to lean methods and optimize resources/processes, here are six ways to implement a successful lean approach.

1. Shift your mindset to look at the entire building project holistically instead of incrementally. The traditional approach is for builders to focus on what needs to go into the ground, one step at a time. Lean pushes them to zone in on the big picture (i.e., all the materials and steps needed to complete the building). Thinking ahead about the complete building instead of intricacies can change the processes and structure of the design, avoiding flaws in the project from the very beginning.
2. Increase collaboration with all trade partners at all levels involved in the project—from manufacturers, designers and engineers to architects and fabricators. Not only will this enable contractors to have full insights into each aspect of the building, it also helps determine what value others can bring to create a more comprehensive and constructible design. Furthermore, the project can undergo testing each step of the way in a more streamlined way when the design is robust and complete.
3. Understand the technology better to disseminate information diligently and improve the overall construction process. Identifying the most effective technology for the project as a whole can lead to overall project success. Technology is rapidly evolving, so engineers should understand how this could improve projects. However, it is important to use these tools effectively to not impact the overall project team.
4. Break the mold of regimented documentation and deliverables to move on from traditional procedures and processes. It is extremely effective to better identify what’s valuable to the progress of a building and course correct where necessary. It is important to shift focus from individual task production to holistic building construction; for example, eliminating book specifications in lieu of notating the drawings and relying on the trade partners’ knowledge to fill in the details for installation methods.
5. Keep up with the industry by attending industry events and participating in speaking, panel and networking opportunities. Lean methods and approaches are still transforming in the construction industry, so it is vital to gain an understanding of the latest about lean. The design landscape will continue to change to optimize efficiencies and continual growth of industry knowledge will ensure that design professionals don’t settle back into traditional techniques.
6. Overcommunicate appropriately with all departments and team members to streamline efforts and resources devoted to a project, particularly a fast-paced one. Project delivery methods, project development, design or field constraints, and schedule updates must be communicated to all trade partners on a regular basis to ensure a seamless and successful turnaround.

Commercial and industrial construction involves a variety of professionals on all levels such as business owners, project engineers, industry suppliers and various vendors. The optimal approach to construction starts from changing deliverables, which requires construction professionals to take a step back and examine: what does progress on this project look like?

The intersection of lean methodology and IoT technology can serve as a competent solution to thriving in the new era of construction. Building designs will continue to progress to increase efficiency in the construction industry, and those who will adapt faster will get a head start.