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An
Introduction to Lean Construction
Applying
Lean to Construction Organizations and Processes
By
Larry Rubrich
Foreword
by
Robert H. Chartier, P.E.
This
book is of tremendous value to any construction professional that
has been exposed to Lean, to any companies that have already undertaken
a Lean Journey, or to those that are contemplating doing so. It
is not a “magic tome” that provides all of the answers;
nor is it a full instruction manual detailing how your Lean journey
will unfold. Its purpose is not intended as such. What this book
does is provide insight into what lies ahead of any company that
is ready to commit to the transformation into a World-Class organization.
CG
Schmidt, for whom I work, likes to describe itself as a provider
of professional construction services - not a commodity builder.
This being understood, Lean Construction was of immediate appeal
to the leaders of our organization.
Like many firms, we chose to embark on our lean journey without
the help of outside professionals. We read books. We attended seminars
and conferences. We attempted several initiatives with varying levels
of success. Ultimately, we discovered that although our corporate
culture was ready for the transformation, we still lacked a basic
understanding; we lacked “system thinking.”
Not to be dissuaded, we reached out to some of our Lean practicing
clients and subcontractors. In doing so, we soon discovered a common
denominator in their respective Lean journeys: Larry Rubrich.
As you explore Lean as a system of operation, there proves an abundance
of information from which to draw, the vast majority of which is
centered in manufacturing. Larry brings to the table a unique perspective;
one that is pervasive in this book. While his background is in manufacturing,
his thoughts and astute observations regarding Lean Construction
are beyond the usual mulling and instruction.
The Lean Construction Institute has emerged as the predominant voice
of advocacy for Lean transformation within the construction industry.
Naturally, other organizations (AGC, AIA) have embraced Lean as
a school of thought as well. These groups have directed their messages
toward optimizing construction at the project level. What sets this
book apart— why it is truly unique—is its wholly organizational
focus. It brings three concepts together (Policy Deployment, Core
Lean Tools, and Lean Construction Tools) into one all encompassing
culture. As Larry points out clearly in these pages, few organizations
that merely implement lean tools realize significant or sustained
improvements. In order for a company to truly reinvent itself as
a world-class organization, Lean must permeate and grow from within
its very culture.
While Lean operating principles have been gathering the attention
of American businesses since the 1980’s, construction has
yet to truly embrace the idea. Why has construction not yet come
to realize that the way we deliver projects is an old, fragmented
process? Is Lean the next evolution of the industry? Will Lean Construction,
despite the current economic pressures to commoditize the delivery,
come to thrive?
Based on what Larry shares within these pages, I don’t know
if we as constructors/buyers of construction services can afford
not to take a serious look.
Robert
H. Chartier, P.E.
Table
of Contents
Introduction
• Purpose
of This Book
• Does Construction Need Lean?
• Chapter Summary
Chapter 1—An
Introduction to Lean
Chapter 2—Planning
the Lean Construction Implementation
• Beginning with
the End in Mind—Business Results
• The Four Components of Lean
• Policy Deployment
Chapter 3—Requirements
for Developing a Lean Culture
• Culture—What
is it?
• Leadership
• Communication
• Empowerment
• Teamwork
• The Importance of the HR Area
Chapter
4—The Core Lean Tools
Chapter
5—The Lean Construction Tools
Chapter
6—Starting the Lean Construction Journey
•
Are you ready? The required prerequisites for any type of
organizational change.
• Do we need an organizational assessment?
• The role and need for consultants.
• The role and need for a Lean Facilitator.
• Suggested training and implementation order -- No cookie
cutter for implementation.
• Lean Construction supply chain thinking.
Conclusion
Praise
for "An Introduction to Lean Construction"
"This
book is of tremendous value to any construction professional that
has been exposed to Lean, to any companies that have already undertaken
a Lean Journey, or to those that are that are contemplating doing
so."
Rob
Chartier
Director
of Project Development, CG
Schmidt
"An
Introduction to Lean Construction presents readers with an
excellent overview of both the standard Lean tools and the Lean
Construction tools. It does a great job of tying together the importance
of Lean culture, Policy Deployment, and the Lean tools."
Ted
Angelo
Executive
Vice President, Grunau
Company
"Larry
Rubrich's book provides a great overview of Lean Construction. A
comprehensive presentation of broad concepts and specific tools."
Klaus
Lemke
Vice
President -Milwaukee Operations, Miron
Construction Co., Inc.
"I
liked it ! Good mix of Lean philosophy and practical Lean content.
It hits the mark for a 101 manual for Lean Construction."
Todd
Henderson, AIA
Senior
Associate, Boulder
Associates, Inc.
"This
book is very well written and is organized in a very logical sequence.
It gives concrete examples of how to apply the Lean techniques."
Stephen
Villarreal
Senior
Risk & Process Improvement Manager , CF
Jordan Construction
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