Lean Toolbox as a catalyst for more value chain collaboration in the construction sector - Building faster & better together (BOUWFORCE)

Context: The construction sector in Belgium faces unique challenges within a dynamic economic context. Although profit margins are under pressure due to rising labour, material and interest costs, the increasing complexity of projects and increased competition, this situation also offers opportunities. Construction companies can fully engage in sustainable process improvement by streamlining their internal processes and optimising cooperation with other parties in the construction chain. Building faster & better together, that's what BouwForce stands for. Target group and objectives: The project aims to deliver construction projects more qualitatively and faster. We do this by working together more process-driven in the construction chain. We look at the internal processes of SME’s contractors, but also at how they cooperate with external partners such as subcontractors, construction suppliers and logistics service providers. The focus is on improving primary construction processes; in particular work preparation and execution of construction projects. BouwForce has two main objectives: - development of a tailor-made Lean ToolBox for the target companies - practical implementation of the lean tools in companies by actively pursuing adoption, through practical cases and demonstrations, training workshops, roadmaps and supporting learning modules. Impact and results: The project envisages significant benefits for construction companies, such as increased transparency and deeper cooperation between construction partners which will lead to improved quality (through reduced waste, failure costs and non-quality issues), time savings in execution, increased involvement of employees and external partners and consequently reduced costs and increased profitability through robust and reliable processes.

Keywords:processen, efficiëntiewinsten, lean tools, ketensamenwerking

Disciplines:Building construction management and project planning

Project type:Collaboration project