Lean Principle - Value Stream

A contractor’s value stream is every step required to take raw materials and information then deliver a completed project to the waiting hands of a customer.

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D. Brown Management
August 17, 2018 2 minute read
field productivity lean construction
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A deep understanding of this value stream at various levels of detail down to actual installation steps is the foundation upon which major productivity improvements can be made.  

Field Productivity: Lean Principle - Value Stream.

As an example consider every step required to put lighting in a conference room - these are just the highlights:  

  • Initial design requirements
  • Quotes from distributor for estimating
  • Submittals and approvals
  • Ordering, tracking and receiving
  • Moving around jobsite to work area
  • Installation
  • Inspection
  • Training of the customer
  • Punch list

This is the highest level and if you mapped out each of those in another 5-25 steps you would start to see a clear picture of what it really takes to install a light fixture in a conference room.  

Start at the highest level - what can be cut out, reduced or sequenced differently?  

Look at the details - can you use 2 screws instead of 4?  50% cost savings at that step! 

Remember that the customer just wants light - could a skylight or more windows reduce the lighting need at the design stage?  

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Lean Principle - Value Stream
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