A philosophy based on the concepts of lean manufacturing. It is about managing and improving the construction process to profitably deliver what the customer needs. Because it is a philosophy, lean construction can be pursued through a number of different approaches. The philosophy is based on the following principles:
- Precisely specifying value from the perspective of the ultimate customer
- Elimination of waste from the construction process
- Identifying the process that delivers what the customer values (the value stream)
- Eliminating all non-value adding steps in the construction process
- Make the remaining value adding steps flow without interruption
- Let the customer pull: don’t make anything until it is needed, then make it quickly
The principles of lean construction can only be applied fully and effectively by focusing on improving the whole construction process. This means all parties have to be committed, involved, and work to overcome obstacles that may arise from traditional contractual arrangements. In terms of skills implications, lean construction is important as it is an industry-wide philosophy which will have an impact upon skills in the industry. Lean ideas will in particular affect the way the industry is managed (the idea of the value stream).(CITB Construction Skills)
