The core principle of Lean Construction is simple: deliver value to the customer with the least waste through flow efficiency, and improve continuously. This definition serves as a foundational starting point for learning, guiding action, and providing a clear North Star for the industry. Without a shared understanding, progress falters.
The current state of Lean in construction is fragmented. Good ideas abound, but a lack of focus hinders widespread adoption. Karen Martin, in The Outstanding Organization, highlights that organizations often fail not from a lack of methodologies, but from a lack of clarity, focus, discipline, and engagement. Without these attributes, even the best tools become ineffective. This applies directly to the Lean community, which needs a unified direction to move forward.
Why A Definition Matters
A clear definition isn’t restrictive; it’s liberating. It provides a common language and shared understanding, fostering collaboration and accelerating improvement. It’s like using the Last Planner® System on projects – a shared milestone provides focus and enables collective action. Without this clarity, efforts remain scattered and disjointed.
This definition serves as the bedrock for better learning, action, and a more effective Lean transformation. Is it perfect? No. But it’s a starting point for discussion, refinement, and, most importantly, action.
Breaking Down The Definition
The definition is universal, applicable across industries. Lean principles remain constant; methods and tools adapt to the specific environment. For example, the Last Planner System is vital in construction but largely unknown in Lean Manufacturing. This demonstrates that Lean isn’t about rigid adherence to a single set of tools; it’s about applying the core principles to maximize flow.
- Deliver: This is how value is created – through a method based on flow efficiency.
- Value: Defined by the customer. The value stream is understood in relation to flow.
- Customer: The reason for the work. Without understanding customer needs, defining value becomes impossible.
- Waste: Everything that doesn’t add value. Reducing waste is a continuous process, striving for perfection while acknowledging that it’s always attainable.
- Flow Efficiency: The core concept of Lean. Instead of optimizing individual resources, optimize the whole system.
Niklas Modig and Pär Åhlström’s This is Lean explains this mechanism. Greg Howell, in the Lean Construction Institute special edition, notes that the construction industry historically focused on resource efficiency instead of flow. He argues that had this book been available earlier, the development of Lean Construction might have been more streamlined.
- Better and better: Continuous improvement, refining both the product and the process.
Why Not Include Respect For People?
Respect for people is foundational to any healthy organization, but it transcends Lean itself. A family that respects each other isn’t necessarily Lean, but an organization without respect will struggle with collaboration, hindering flow. Respect is a prerequisite for Lean success, not a component of the definition.
Conclusion
A clear definition of Lean Construction provides clarity, increases understanding, and accelerates adoption. Use it, share it, and refine it. A shared understanding is fundamental to a Lean transformation. With a standard definition, the industry can move forward with greater focus and effectiveness
