Implementation of lean practices among finishing contractors in the US

Abstract

Many parties to the construction process have implemented lean construction practices to improve efficiency within their respective scopes of work. Academics have researched a wide range of these applications in an effort to assess barriers, benefits, and other associated impacts. One area of construction that is currently under-represented in lean literature is finishing contractors. The purpose of this paper was to assess lean implementation by finishing contractors in the US. 33% of the sample of contractors specializing in the finishing methods reported implementation of some level of lean practices. For those attempting lean, the most common tool being utilized was Last Planner System. The same group reported that implementation was driven by a desire to improve efficiency by cutting costs and reducing schedules. Non-practicing respondents indicated that the primary barrier to implementation was a lack of knowledge in the area.