LEAN CONSTRUCTION

Lean construction software

Learn how lean construction software can help improve project management efficiency by integrating processes from planning to collaboration and delivery.

Three men in hard hats consult building plans at a construction site.
Lean construction helps streamline processes, reducing delays and rework.

What is lean construction?

Lean construction is a project management approach that helps maximize the value and minimize the waste of construction projects by helping to streamline processes, improving communication, and reducing delays and rework. Lean construction prioritizes better collaboration between teams, and lean construction tools like last planner system software help foster this. Find out more in our blog post, “What is lean construction?”

A black and white photo shows Ford Model T automobiles being built on an assembly line, circa 1914.
Ford’s Highland Park factory in Detroit, circa 1914.

The origins of lean construction

Lean construction has its origins in the early 20th century, in modernized working processes such as the assembly-line production of Henry Ford’s Motel T automobile in 1913. Ford implemented key lean concepts such as standardization of parts and models, waste reduction, and efficient supply chains. Another car manufacturer, Toyota, took the lean concept further, developing the just-in-time concept, where production schedules are determined by demand. Over the latter half of the 20th century, lean methods would take the world by storm, leading to lean construction management.

The core principles of lean construction

There are six core principles of lean construction:

Identify value

Lean construction seeks to recognize what is truly of value to the client and why.

 

Map value

Lean construction ensures that everyone working on a project knows what is important in the project context, so they can add value at each step of the way.

 

Create value

Lean construction management ensures that the project continues to flow smoothly, without disruption to vital processes. Find out more about this flow in our lean construction infographic.

Eliminate waste

Remove all activities, materials, and steps that do not add value to a project.

Develop pull scheduling

Carry out certain phases of construction only when prompted by the completion of previous steps.

Continuously improve

Log and analyze constraints and work to eliminate them.

 

A man views construction project data on a laptop screen.
Assessing potential project risks in Autodesk Construction Cloud.

Importance of lean construction software

Lean construction software tools offer features that help optimize project workflows through an integrated and scalable approach, ultimately improving productivity, reducing costs, and increasing bottom line.

A group of construction workers in safety vests consult a building model on a large monitor.
Lean BIM identifies potential problems early in a project.

Lean BIM: Integrated construction projects

The lean construction planning building information modeling (BIM) process uses a detailed virtual model of a building to identify potential problems, helping to reduce errors and rework and complete the project more efficiently.

Benefits of lean construction software

Learn about the benefits of lean construction software from Autodesk.

Project planning and scheduling

Lean construction planning centralizes construction project schedules to track tasks, milestones, and deadlines.

Real-time collaboration

Communicate with project stakeholders to improve efficiency & decision-making.

Reduce project costs

Allocate and track resources such as labor, equipment, and materials to reduce waste.

Tracking and reporting

Monitor project progress to identify areas for improvement and increased efficiency.

A woman and man discuss a construction project in front of a large screen showing a building blueprint.
A last planner system coordinates the last planners in a project, including supervisors and design heads.

What is a last planner system?

A last planner system is of great use in lean construction management, leading to reduced waste, and increased value and efficiency. It is a way of coordinating and communicating between the last planners in a project—such as supervisors and heads of design—incorporating pull planning to determine what needs to be done, make-ready planning to ensure the upcoming work is ready to be done, weekly work planning, daily commitment management, and weekly learning. Autodesk’s last planner system software is increasingly being optimized with artificial intelligence to help you refine your last planner system.

How is lean construction used?

General contractors

Use lean construction principles to complete projects faster and with fewer resources to improve profitability.

Learn more

Specialty contractors

Reduce the time spent on costly subcontracting project management tasks.

Learn more

Owners

Increase the amount of data and monitoring across projects to identify issues using lean construction management.

Learn more

Designers

Collaborate with key stakeholders to reduce revisions and improve quality.

Learn more
A microphone and pop shield on a stand sits on a table next to a laptop.
Tune into Autodesk’s Digital Builder podcast to learn about lean construction.

How to maximize value with lean construction

Find out more about lean construction management and discover potent lean construction examples in a special episode of Autodesk’s Digital Builder podcast. In the episode “How to maximize value with lean: It’s worth it!” host Eric Thomas talks to Ariana Alvear, production manager at The Boldt Company, about the uses of lean construction, myths and misconceptions, last planner system software, and more. Watch the full episode, recorded at the Autodesk Gallery, for free on YouTube.

See how customers are using lean construction software

A woman in a hard hat inspects machinery while consulting a tablet.

Cannistraro

Lean construction offers cost and schedule certainty

Discover how adopting new technology and lean construction principles helped this mechanical construction firm stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

Read story
A machine room is filled with shiny metal pipes.

CRB

Reducing waste, improving timelines with lean construction

Learn how this builder’s integrated approach helps deliver better project outcomes and reduce risk.

Read story
In a factory, a man works on a group of large modules that will be installed in data centers.

MODULAR POWER SOLUTIONS

Using lean construction to increase project efficiencies

Find out how one firm reduced waste and increased productivity using lean construction planning.

Read story
Multitrade skids in an offsite fabrication shop.

Helm Mechanical

Simplifying data improves outcomes on industrial projects

Learn about the specialty contractor’s approach to cloud-based collaboration and lean construction processes.

Read story

Lean construction software resources

Learn more about lean construction software and how it benefits workflows and projects with these resources from Autodesk.

Learn common myths and misconceptions, the role of technology, and the ideal project delivery method with lean construction.

Utilize lean construction principles and technology to improve operations and increase the profit margins and ROI on construction projects.

Lean construction processes support construction teams to achieve better scheduling, win work, improve quality, enhance site safety, and reduce costs while minimizing waste.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) on lean construction software

What are the principles of lean construction?

Lean construction is a management philosophy adopted from lean manufacturing principles. The main principles of lean construction include:

  • Define value from the customer’s perspective to prioritize needs.
  • Identify and map the value stream with processes and steps.
  • Create a continuous flow of work and reduce bottlenecks.
  • Establish pull planning and schedule tasks based on demand.
  • Pursue perfection through continuous improvement and evaluation.
  • Empower the team and encourage collaboration.
  • Focus on the whole system rather than individual tasks.

Is lean construction the same as project management?

Lean construction and project management are not the same, but they are closely related. Project management is a broader discipline that involves planning, organizing, directing, and controlling resources to achieve specific project goals and objectives within a given time frame and budget.

 

On the other hand, lean construction management is a specific management approach derived from lean manufacturing principles, which focus on maximizing value and minimizing waste in construction projects. Lean construction can be considered a subset of project management, as it provides a set of principles and practices that can be applied within the broader context of project management to improve project outcomes.

What are the benefits of lean construction over other project management methodologies?

Lean construction offers several benefits over other project management methodologies due to its focus on maximizing value and minimizing waste. Some of the key benefits of lean construction management include:

  • Improved efficiency
  • Reduced costs
  • Faster project completion
  • Enhanced quality
  • Increased customer satisfaction
  • Better collaboration and communication
  • Greater adaptability and flexibility
  • Improved safety
  • Sustainability

How can lean construction improve sustainability in the industry?

Lean construction tools can improve sustainability in the construction industry by enhancing streamlining and improving project quality. Some examples of how lean construction and last-planner system software contribute to sustainability include:

  • Reducing wasted materials, time, and labor
  • Improving the efficiency of resource management
  • Promoting lifecycle thinking in construction projects
  • Optimizing building systems for energy efficiency and green best practices

How do I implement lean construction in my organization?

Implementing lean construction in your organization requires a commitment to change and a focus on continuous improvement. Here is a step-by-step approach to help you get started:

  1. Educate and gain buy-in for lean construction management from key stakeholders.
  2. Develop a clear vision and strategy for integration.
  3. Designate a leader who will help facilitate change management.
  4. Provide training and education for employees.
  5. Analyze and map current processes for waste and inefficiency.
  6. Implement lean construction software tools and techniques.
  7. Measure and monitor progress over time for continuous improvement.
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