Lean Production Theory and its Application in the Construction Industry | Original Article

ABSTRACT:

Lean manufacturing is a performance-based process used in manufacturing organizations to increase competitive advantage. Initially pioneered and developed by Japanese car manufacturers, lean production was seen as the step in an historical progression of production, which took industry from the age of the craftsman through the methods of mass production and into an era that combined the best of both. A key driver of the lean project delivery approach understands that rewards and compensation are tied to the value of the completed project as a whole. Lean manufacturers have moved away from traditional relationships with their suppliers to partnering arrangements with a smaller number, based on good communications and open-book accounting. Lean is focused on evaluating value, more than on cost, and seeks to remove all non-value adding components and processes whilst improving those that add value. Construction is basically the design and assembly of immovable objects rooted to a place, and accordingly has, more or less, the characteristics of site production delivering an unique product by using temporary teams. The construction industry has always been under pressure to provide value for money, sustainable design and construction. Lean production presents a new approach to the construction management which has enabled production enterprises to attain very high levels of efficiency, competitiveness and flexibility in production systems. The proposed paper will highlight the lean principles that can be applied fully and effectively in construction by focusing on improving the whole process.