Lessons from Turner’s Lean Construction Experience

by Hal on November 12, 2006

in Last Planner, construction, lean

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Turner Construction is doing $100s millions of healthcare construction for Sutter Health and others. They have some early projects where they developed their capability using the Last Planner System® (LPS). Here's their report:

What We've Learned

"LPS is a scheduler's dream come true!"

  • It is better for individuals doing the work to help make the plan
  • Takes persistence to get subs to use the system
  • Project team has a better understanding of end-users' needs
  • Reverse phase scheduling produces better results (than plans produce by specialists)
  • 6 week look-ahead schedule sets priorities
  • You must get buy-in and commitments from all parties
  • LPS is a scheduler's dream come true! The role of a senior scheduler has changed. I'm now a planning facilitator. The people who will do the work become planners.
  • The project needs a single information coordinator/gatekeeper
  • The beautiful thing about LPS is it encourages participation at all levels.
  • Look-ahead planning identifies key requirements for success
  • Become proactive with problem-solving
  • See potential issues early enough to take preventive action
  • LPS reduces the impacts of delays
  • Meetings are collaborative and interactive
  • Facilitates coordination — everyone really is on the same page

What's in it for me?

"Projects are safer."

  • Work is a lot more enjoyable
  • Subs and peers had a more positive outlook
  • There's less fire-fighting
  • Safer projects
  • Happier clients

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