Key Planning Steps Enabling Systematic Lean Implementation on Construction Projects

Question: Are there any existing processes defined specifically for planning Lean implementation on construction projects? What steps can project teams can use to plan for a systematic Lean implementation on construction projects? Purpose: Enable project teams to plan for systematic Lean implementation on construction projects and establish alignment by developing a project-specific Lean plan documenting shared vision and strategy. Define a process for the construction industry to approach planning for Lean implementation on projects consistently. Research Method: Information related to several aspects of project level Lean implementation is gathered from the review of 42 published research studies and 16 semi-structured expert interviews. This information is organized and analyzed using content analysis. A common process is defined from this analysis, including the steps and strategies that support systematic Lean implementation at the project level. Findings: Six key planning steps were found to enable systematic project level Lean implementation. These steps include determining the project delivery method, organizing the project team, conducting a formal Lean kick-off, strategically selecting Lean methods for implementation, developing the project-specific Lean plan, and tracking alignment to improve continuously. Several strategies aligned to these steps are also included to offer support during the planning process. Limitations: Although the steps and strategies can be customized by an organization choosing to implement Lean on all their projects, this study mainly focused on Lean implementation at an individual project level to assist a typical construction project team. Implications: Lean has been implemented in the construction industry since the 1990s, but the collaborative and consistent planning on a construction project remains a challenge. This study provides a starting point and the origin of a process benchmark. Value for authors: Share the identified key planning steps enabling systematic Lean implementation with academia and industry for improving Lean adoption on construction projects. Provide a basis for future research.