Lean Saves Time and Money

Thinking lean and acting lean contributes to a client savings in both time and money.

We’ve been relentless in the pursuit of improvement throughout our organization, including developing ways to improve safety, quality, cost, communication and schedule. First, Walbridge recognizes eight areas where waste can pop up and how improvements can be made:

  • Over-Production – Producing over customer requirement and/or unnecessary materials/products
  • Inventory – Holding or purchasing unnecessary raw supplies, work-in-process inventory and/or finishing goods
  • Transportation – Having multiple handlers, unnecessary delays in material handling
  • Waiting – Time delays and/or idle time (non-value added time)
  • Motion – Actions of people or equipment that do not add value to the product
  • Over-Processing – Unnecessary processing steps or work elements/procedures
  • Corrections – Producing a part that is scrapped or requires rework
  • Not Utilizing Human Resources – Not following up, implementing ideas and/or suggestions

In addition to making improvements internally, we also train our partners, subcontractors and tradesmen to become as productive as possible.

Lean concepts take communication and a solid-thought process from beginning to end.

Across Walbridge, this includes:

  • Logistical Planning – We evaluate access and plan the movement of people, material and equipment in designated areas.
  • Look-Ahead Planning – We identify upcoming tasks that are required to maintain productivity within a group, department or project. We commit to identified dates.
  • 5 “S” Philosophy and Concepts – A common sense approach to organizing and storing materials and tools
    1. Separate and Scrap – Sort only what you need; salvage and dispose of garbage/broken items
    2. Straighten – Organize required tools and materials for quick and easy access of inventory
    3. Scrub – Cleaning and maintaining helps identify damage. This keeps required tools and material ready and working.
    4. Standardize – Create and communicate processes to keep things in order. Keep it simple.
    5. Sustain – Conduct scheduled 5 “S” audits, preventative maintenance and inventory checks. Protect and secure equipment, tools and material.
  • Visual Management – The use of visual cues within a specific setting enhances the management of a given process. The use of scorecards to track progress, show current status and indicate future goals is a particularly effective VM method.
  • Team Huddles – Huddles are informal gatherings of key personnel held regularly that support the day-to-day review of tasks, short-term goals and project status.