Description
Lean Construction Education Program Unit 5: Lean Supply Chain and Assembly Instructor’s Guide
WELCOME TO UNIT 5: LEAN SUPPLY CHAIN AND ASSEMBLY
Lean Construction is driven to minimize costs and maximize value on each project completed, challenging all
stakeholders to develop and apply better ways to manage the overall construction process. Everyone related
to the construction process has incentive to get the project done faster and at a lower cost — from the project
owners who want to see tangible results for their investment to designers and contractors who want to do their
job well and move on to the next project.
Throughout the construction process — planning, design, construction, activation, operations, maintenance,
salvaging and recycling — the holistic pursuit of continuous improvement drives more efficient, effective and
economic projects.
On a corporate level, lean is most effective when embraced by all areas of the company. To do so, senior
management must understand the need for and advantages of lean implementation. But lean is also an
individual journey. All project team members must work together on a daily basis, incorporating lean principles
into their most basic work, to see the true benefits of lean. This course is just one part of the foundation that is
available to help you reach these goals.
Up to this point, the courses within the Lean Construction Education Program have been focused on variation
inherent to workflow, the value of pull production and effective structuring and planning of those activities on
the project site. With Unit 5: Lean Supply Chain and Assembly, we will take a close look at waste in the supply
chain and the assembly processes; looking for ways to eliminate waste and maximize value.
The course is divided into four sessions:
Session 1 will consist of an overview of what is meant by lean supply chain and assembly, to introduce how
materials, equipment and off-site prefabricated assemblies are delivered and provided to the construction
project according to lean construction principles. We will also examine the types of waste and start to see how
they can be reduced across the supply chain.
Session 2 will present more detailed information on the procurement strategies and planning details that can
facilitate a harmonious flow of materials and equipment into the project.
Session 3 will introduce ways to apply lean concepts to the supply chain and provide examples of applying
these strategies.
Session 4 will present ideas for building a lean culture beyond the project. Participants, building on the work in
Session 3, will work in teams to collaborate to improve their value stream maps.
