Publication

Abstract : Lean principles, as applied to the construction industry, are known to add value and reduce waste. One of the most critical principles of lean construction is to target continuous work flow in production and reduce variability. Key to achieving this target is producing to takt time which is the work pace or rhythm derived from demand. Takt ensures a continuous flow thus reducing waste. The actual calculation and implementation of takt time for the construction industry however, has been a debatable and ambiguous topic, thus complicating the process of applying takt. The purpose of this paper is to present a systematic method of calculating takt time and aligning various production rates accordingly in a Location Based Management System scenario. In order to achieve this purpose we will examine an infrastructure project as a case study, observe its current state and then improve it by amending production rates to conform to takt time. A flow line visualization planning software, VICO Control, will be used to demonstrate this production rate adjustment. As a result, we expect the outcome to provide proof of how takt time can improve construction workflow and suggest a systematic method of applying takt.