In earlier posts, we’ve uncovered that the AEC industry is one that hasn’t seen the rapid efficiency, productivity, and quality improvements that sectors such as manufacturing or healthcare have experienced. At SSOE, we recognize there is a fundamental shift that needs to take place in the way projects are delivered to achieve similar significant strides in those areas. And, because we’re looking to make entire projects lean, these practices must be embraced industry-wide (by owners, partners, vendors, contractors, etc.) to reach their full potential through collaboration. One organization looking to facilitate this shift in the industry is the Lean Construction Institute (LCI).
SSOE is committed to doing its part to participate in this shift and recently became a corporate member of LCI, recognizing that lean processes are a major component of VDC. We’ve seen value in a number of benefits this organization offers, including:
- Access to various materials, forms, technical information, and the LCI Journal.
- Case studies of successful projects utilizing lean processes (both written and video of seminar presentations).
- White papers, articles and reports on topics including: pull strategies, continuous flow, work structuring, phase scheduling, lean project delivery systems, and lean design.
- Research including how to control work flow on projects, how to improve safety, phase scheduling, project definition, and lean design management.
- Short (3-5 page) overviews of Lean topics ranging from transformational change, to IPD, lean project delivery systems, and lean project management and tools that are both informative and educational in nature.
- LCI seminar and training materials, handbooks, and planning tools are available free of charge. This includes permission to use copyrighted Last Planner System® materials for in-house training and on projects. These are short, specific documents that have good tips for running any project.
- Discounts on educational programs offered at local and national meetings as well as webinars throughout the year. Topics include: project definition, lean design, lean supply, lean assembly, production control, and work structuring. Communities of Practice host local meetings throughout the U.S. See their Calendar for upcoming sessions.
Supporting an organization that will push the industry forward benefits us all! For more information, visit http://leanconstruction.org/
