Lean Construction
Lean Construction removes waste from all aspects of the project. The objective, principles and techniques of Lean construction form the basis for an innovative project delivery process.
Leading the project delivery process
We helped pioneer a methodology for applying Lean concepts in the construction industry 20+ years ago as a founding member of Lean Construction Institute (LCI). Since then, Lean is utilized on 100% of Messer projects.
Benefits of Lean Construction:
- Creates reliability, decentralizes decision-making and manages the flow and consistency of work.
- Focuses on the efficient use of all resources.
- Drives the performance of the entire project by targeting and removing waste throughout its lifecycle.
Lean Construction in action
Prefabrication
Driving safety, quality, schedule and cost.
Prefabrication, sometimes referred to as off-site manufacturing, is the assembly of building units or components at a workshop or factory separate from the jobsite. All items are constructed in a controlled environment, which means they are free from exposure to weather and deliver superior quality. Materials are tested in the warehouse (off-site construction) then retested once they are installed, ensuring every piece and part fits perfectly.
Flow Scheduling
Creating safer, more efficient projects and shorter, more predictable schedules.
Flow Scheduling consists of grouping a construction project into similarly sized or dense areas (instead of an entire floor), determining the best sequence, and then setting a rhythm or takt time for completing the work. The result is a faster, more efficient completion of the project, better quality, earlier mock-ups, and a safer work environment for everyone.
Target Value Design
Getting the best value for the project—at or below the target cost.
Messer's Target Value Design (TVD) process brings collaboration and transparency starting in the preconstruction phase. The result is getting the best value for the project - at or below the target cost - without sacrificing the purpose or vision for the project. Rather than developing an estimate on an established design, the project team develops a design that fits within the established budget. Costs are organized and tracked in buckets led by cluster groups. Group leaders discuss the details of what is important on a project and where tradeoffs can occur amongst the team to maintain the overall project budget.
Additional Lean tools and principles
Our builders have refined the Lean process and continue to adapt these additional best-in-class Lean tools and principles to our construction projects. This includes Value Stream Mapping, Spaghetti Diagrams, 7 Flows of Health Care, First Run Studies, Rapid Improvement Events, 3P, Lean Daily Management, A3 Reporting, A3 Problem Solving, 5 Why Problem Solving, Simulations and Mockups, Noise to Constant Matrix, Gemba Walks, Vertical Value Stream Mapping, Pull Scheduling, Takt Planning and Huddles.