6. Lean thinking principles
There are five fundamental principles for lean thinking, which
have to be followed step by step to gain the maximum benefit
of the lean success: (1) Specify Value: Specify value from customer’s
own definition and needs and identify the value of
activities, which generate value to the end product; (2) Identify
the Value Stream: Identify the value stream by elimination of
everything, which does not generate value to the end product.
This means, stop the production when something is going
wrong and change it immediately. Processes which have to
be avoided are miss production, overproduction (repeat production
of the same type of product, etc.), storage of materials
and unnecessary processes, transport of materials, movement
of labor workforces and products, and finally production of
products which does not live up to the wished standard of
the customer as well as all kind of unnecessary waiting time;
(3) Flow: Ensure that there is a continuous flow in the process
and value chain by focusing on the entire supply chain. Focus
has to be on the process and not at the end product. However,
the flow will never get optimal until customer value is specified,
and the value stream is identified; (4) Pull: Use pull in the production
and construction process instead of push. This means
produce exactly what the customer wants at the time the customer
needs it and always prepared for changes made by customer.
The idea is to reduce unnecessary production and to use
the management tool ‘‘Just In Time’’; and (5) Perfection: Aims
at the perfect solution and continuous improvements. Deliver
a product which lives up to customer’s needs and expectations
within the agreed time schedule and in a perfect condition
without mistakes and defects. The only way to do so is by having
a close communication with the customer/client as well as
managers, and employees are between. Fig. 4 summarizes
examples of lean tools already used in job sites.