Let’s set aside the question of whether you should implement lean manufacturing and focus on lean capital project development and how it might benefit your organization. Then the real question becomes, How lean do you want to be?
Despite what you may have heard, you don’t have to be a Six Sigma Black Belt to run a lean capital project program—but you do have to have a very deep understanding of your organization’s needs and goals and how your projects align with them. You also need to be open to shifting away from traditional thinking in many areas. For example, cost information in a lean project is often more widely distributed so informed decisions can be made a lower level. Not every organization is ready for this. In addition, you should be willing to consider using new tools and technologies—such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Good Engineering Practices—that support lean principles. Remember that lean is an ongoing process of improvement and waste reduction that aims to create value. You won’t get there by flicking a switch—but you might start by opting for design/build on a project. In the hands of a team committed to lean, design/build is a lean strategy that can reduce redundancy and streamline project delivery. Design/build with BIM can take the benefits a step further by improving communication and accuracy through enhanced project documents. The ultimate value is realized through lean program management.