Lean Construction: "Industry 4.0 in individual production".
"It's quite easy to demonstrate initial success in the implementation of Lean construction in a pilot project," says Theo Herzog. But how can sustainability be achieved? The online portal "Der Prozessmanager" asked Theo Herzog about the opportunities and challenges of lean approaches in the construction industry.
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In an interview ",Lean Construction' - Industry 4.0 in individual production" Theo Herzog, Managing Director of Lean Maritime GmbH, reveals what Lean management in the project industry means for construction companies.
Interview with Theo Herzog in the trade magazine "DER PROZESSMANAGER"
Lean construction management in the practice of capital-intensive major projects
The Lean Group specializes in operational efficiency in capital-intensive projects. With its Lean Maritime consulting approach, the company focuses in particular on the challenges in the construction, offshore and shipping industries. In an interview with the trade magazine DER PROZESSMANAGER, Managing Director Theo Herzog explains why traditional approaches are often ineffective in these industries - and how Lean measurably improve project execution.
THE PROCESS MANAGER:
Lean Maritime is a management consultancy with a focus on heavy industries and capital-intensive projects. The consultancy is active in shipbuilding and ship operation as well as the offshore and construction industries. Why have you focused on these areas?
Theo Herzog:
Our focus is on handling complex large-scale projects. Unlike series production, these are one-offs - every project is different. This is precisely where the particular challenge lies: in order to achieve a structured process in design and production, the project structures must be set up according to lean principles and managed systematically. The know-how of everyone involved in the project is crucial for this.
THE PROCESS MANAGER:
Your management consultancy focuses on Lean. This also includes Lean management in the construction industry - so-called Lean construction management. What exactly is Lean construction? Is this method suitable for all projects in the construction industry?
Theo Herzog:
Lean construction describes a way of thinking and an approach to structured project management. It abandons traditional approaches - such as purely section-by-section execution by subcontractors with minimal control - and moves towards short-cycle, controllable structures with a high level of transparency. In principle, Lean construction is suitable for all construction projects - however, the methodology must always be adapted to the specific application.
THE PROCESS MANAGER:
What are the opportunities and risks of Lean construction management?
Theo Herzog:
The greatest advantage lies in the development of a systematic production system that integrates all relevant optimization methods. Such a system can be learned, trained and ensures repeatable application. It is important not to overcomplicate the subject with excessive theory. Ultimately, the goal is to complete a project on time and to a high standard of quality - economically successful for the company carrying out the work.
THE PROCESS MANAGER:
The development and establishment of Lean in organizations is often associated with difficulties. What challenges do you face in particular when introducing Lean construction management?
Theo Herzog:
The biggest challenge is embedding it in the organization in the long term. Success can usually be demonstrated quickly in a pilot project. However, the transformation to a high-performance, quality-oriented and deadline-driven corporate culture requires consistency and perseverance - at all levels.
THE PROCESS MANAGER:
Your consulting focus is "on operational efficiency for one-off, large and complex projects". What was your most exciting or most difficult project?
Theo Herzog:
The construction of a hydropower plant in the Amazon with a project volume of several billion euros - that was both the most challenging and the most instructive project of my career to date.
If you like, I can add a short closing sentence or call to action for readers - for example with a reference to the Lean Construction Services of the Lean Group.