Summary of “LEAN & SIX SIGMA IN CONSTRUCTION” by Denis Leonard
Denis Leonard, in his article “LEAN & SIX SIGMA IN CONSTRUCTION,” explores the application and benefits of lean & six-sigma in the construction industry. The author begins his article by highlighting the key benefits of lean and six sigma in the construction industry, which includes; shortens production time, promotes concurrent work, reduces lead time, provide a structured method to improve the reduction of waste, accelerate construction activities, improve construction planning, reduce cost and ultimately increase customer satisfaction. Denis Leonard argues that for the lean and six-sigma concept of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) to work in the construction industry effectively, the practice should be used beyond the production face (Denis, 2011). That is, the concept should also be applied in land development, design, sales, marketing, purchasing, financing, and construction.
Additionally, Denis (2011) argues that waste management is the distinct challenge facing the construction industry and can be addressed through the concept of six-sigma that involves the control of overproduction, over-processing, inefficient transportation, and excessive and waste motion. Besides, the author notes importance 5s, a lean tool that involves the concept of standardization, spick, and span, self-discipline, sorting, and sorting (Denis, 2011). This concept can be used in the construction sites to help in the proper storage of material to reduce damage, theft, and increase ease of location during work. Moreover, the concept can be used to solve individual problems and as a framework to help in employee coordination in construction sites. Denis Leonard concludes his article by highlighting some of the critical elements that construction managers can think about when using lean and six-sigma to improve their services to clients.
Reference
Denis Learnad. (2011, March 26). LEAN & SIX SIGMA IN CONSTRUCTION. Professional Builder. https://www.probuilder.com/blog/lean-six-sigma-construction