2020Case6Ardmac

Contents Lean Construction Ireland Annual Book of Cases 2020 Case 6 Productivity improvements in the construction sector have been historically modest. It is a well-known fact that when compared to other sectors, construction does not perform well in terms of innovation, the use of technology, or improvements in productivity. In recent years, the use of Lean Construction (LC) principles and Building Information Modelling (BIM) have become more popular. There is significant research demonstrating that organisations that adopt these platforms, either independently or in tandem, observe significant benefits. Hence, Ardmac started its journey to adopt Lean, BIM, and other digital technologies in order to streamline workflows and improve productivity. Ardmac leverages technology to support Lean Construction principles. There is such an abundance of technology today that it can be overwhelming. There are trends such as Pharma 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, Automation, and the Internet of Things that are already reshaping the construction sector and changing the way in which we all do business. At Ardmac, technology is implemented to improve processes that add value to customers, improve efficiencies, and solve specific problems. In order to do this, there is a big focus on gaining customer insights, understanding needs, and reframing those into desired outcomes. Once these desired outcomes are validated, solutions are delivered that address these unmet needs. We call this approach “Building SMART”. Productivity Tracking – Digitally The company introduced Lean in 2015, and we have adopted several Lean initiatives across the company since then. We have been particularly successful with the adoption of Last Planner® System (LPS) which allows the proactive sequencing of works and setting of productivity targets. The targets are set using crew size and labour norms, and they are tracked daily and any deviations are monitored. Ardmac has been tracking field productivity for many years, and “Building by Numbers” is the terminology we use across the business as it is a simple and effective concept. Up until 2020, field productivity was monitored using a bespoke Excel tracker. Site Managers would track progress daily, and this data was inputted to a master tracker to highlight any trends and create a forecast at completion based on current production rates. This system, whilst reliant on paper-based information and double data entry, worked adequately for many years. Recently the process was digitised by working in conjunction with some software vendors, and now, using a function of the field management software (FMS) platform, progress, timesheets, and productivity can be monitored using any mobile device and site teams can now track the progress of crews in real-time in the field. The tool then provides instant feedback to the site team on their daily productivity, and this data is also visible to management and any downward trends can be rapidly analysed and steps taken to resolve any issues. Company Overview Ardmac ardmac.com Overview & Background to the Lean Initiative Fergus Nugent Author Lean Initiative Undertaken – Lean Thinking, Tools, Techniques Ardmac is an international construction specialist delivering complex and high-value workspaces and technical environments. Headquartered in Dublin, and with offices in Manchester, Craigavon, and Brussels, Ardmac employs over 300 people and provides specialist services to the commercial fit-out, life sciences, and data centre sectors. Ardmac’s vision is to be “the contractor of choice for clients, and the workplace of choice for great people”. Ardmac’s mission is “to consistently provide the ultimate solution for high value working environments through continuous investment in the best people, technology, and processes”.