the Scrawny Project ... Rules, Tools & Systems
In last weeks blog post "What is the BIG ROOM" we learned that the BIG ROOM is more than just a place to pin up all of the visual information associated with running a lean project. More importantly The BIG ROOM is a place to build trust and commitment to working as a high performing team. Establishing an effective BIG ROOM is a is a good first step in the right direction for project optimization.
It is also just the beginning as there are many more aspects to lean project delivery practice, that need to be explored.
Next Up ... What is a Scrawny Project?
In "the Scrawny Project Playbook" blog article we discuss a new team based approach to project delivery that ditches all of the assumptions that low tender price projects deliver value, on time and to budget, because we know this to not true. Instead we creating a new Scrawny (Lean) based approach to delivering projects. We use the word SCRAWNY instead of LEAN as it is a bad word in some circles. Our goal is no matter what we call it is to deliver exceptional projects with no fat on the bone as that a good thing!
the Scrawny Project ... Rules, Tools and System
Only produce the right quality the customer is willing to pay for & do not compromise VALUE by cost-reduction efforts. This is achieved by creating a clear definition of value and continually testing the design to ensure that the proposed solution provides the best value. (Clear Target, Design Commissioning)
Adopt best practices that get work to flow, minimize waste & resource use. This is achieved when we adopt a lean design and construction systems for managing cost and schedule. (Target Value Delivery, Last Planner System, )
Focus on solving high priority problems by getting to the root cause and making the best informed decisions. The project team needs to move the yardsticks down the field on a weekly based by solving problems and making all of the decisions needed to keep the project on track.(5 WHYS, A3, CBA)
Meet often, commit to the project team, collaborate and work productively to get construction started and completed as early as possible. The building industry tends to work in Silos and many teams do not meet commitments. The lean solution is to create a collaborative work space called the BIG ROOM and get the TEAM to commit to the GOOD BEHAVIOR needed to win at the Construction Game. (Big Room, Pull Planning & Weekly Coordination)
Optimize the project addressing direct labour and material costs, equipment costs, project delivery overhead and design costs. In the Lean Design Guidebook [1] there is a good checklist of 20 cost levers that need to be addressed at the design stage to ensure that value is optimized (20 Cost Levers)
Test for Performance and Finish Early. Integrated Designs has developed a proactive lean commissioning system that helps to eliminate system interface problems through comprehensive design reviews and using the Last Planner System and Pull Planning to get the team to the finish line early. (LeanCx)
Exceptional projects are achieved when a TEAM delivers only the value the customer desires at a price they are willing to pay with just the right amount of effort and just in time to meet a challenging schedule. We hope this article provides some IDEAS that will enable success on your next project.
Where to get more information?
Follow Murray Guy on LinkedIn or on Twitter @Lean_tobe_Green or search for #the ProjectPlaybook or checkout our services @
Integrated Designs for LeanCx, Lean and Integrated Design Facilitation
Shift2Lean for Lean Project Delivery Systems workshops and coaching
EcoSmart Developments for High Performance Home Building
[1] The Lean Design GuideBook, Ronald Mascitelli