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Q&A: Being Lean in the construction industry

In this special Q&A blog, we explore the importance of adopting Lean thinking within the construction industry and share practical guidance on incorporating Lean principles within your working environment.

Q. What are the main challenges site managers face when implementing Lean processes?

A. Imparting the principles of Lean methods of working to their workforce, which is a constant process with existing staff leaving and new staff starting. It can also be particularly challenging to ensure new site workers are up to speed and are applying Lean principles and processes quickly, especially if they’ve not worked within a Lean environment before.

Q. What are the main benefits of being Lean?

A. There are numerous benefits construction professionals can gain from being Lean, which include:

  • Continuous improvement – Lean seeks to remove all non-value adding components and (especially) processes, while improving those that add value
  • Reduced downtime – being Lean involves constant review and refinement to ensure all systems and processes are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible at all times
  • An empowered workforce – in order to be effective, Lean principles need to focus on improving the whole process. This involves ensuring staff at all levels are committed, involved and work together to collectively overcome challenges. Everybody has a role to play.

Q. What are the main pitfalls associated with not implementing Lean principles?

A. If existing supply chains aren’t established or up to standard, this can result in them conflicting with Just In Time (JIT) production, which is a key component of being Lean. JIT involves producing what’s required, when it’s required and allowing for flexibility so building only happens when it’s needed. However, if your supply chain isn’t sufficient, then it will have a knock on effect on your JIT production, as they go hand-in-hand.

Q. What are the five main steps site managers can take to embrace Lean processes?

Based on our experience of Lean and working with construction customers for more than 45 years, we recommend the following steps:

1. Hold meaningful, structured meetings every day (for instance, include as many relevant people as possible).

2. Determine what ‘value’ looks like from the perspective of your ultimate customer.

3. Identify the processes that deliver your customer values (the value stream) and eliminate all non-value adding steps.

4. Make continuous improvements by actively engaging all of your key stakeholders.

5. Review and/or audit your procedures to ensure they are consistently delivering maximum and live benefits.

Q. How does FixFirm help its construction site customers be Lean?

A. There are a number of ways in which we enable our construction customers to embrace Lean ways of working. This ranges from sourcing unusual products for customers, to providing an extensive selection of products (over 10,000 in stock and on site). This in turn, helps reduce the amount of suppliers and number of orders they place, resulting in a more efficient process.

We also offer a guaranteed, next day delivery service by noon*, which helps site operatives achieve uptime and ultimately, meet their deadlines.

Furthermore, our online procurement system, ProcureSite, has been developed to provide contractors with the best, market-leading facility that enables them to:

  • Efficiently manage their site purchases quickly and easily
  • Provide supervisors with full visibility at all times

Want to find out more about how we can help your site implement Lean ways of working? Contact us on sales@fixfirm.com or 0800 594 44 44 to book your free consultation on how to streamline your site’s purchasing and remove wasted processes.

In the meantime, why not read our blog about compliance around dust control on construction sites: ‘Construction dust: is your site compliant?’.
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