TAKT 101
WHAT IS TAKT?
We believe that missing or ineffective standards for scheduling is one of the main reasons for the lack of productivity in construction. One of the solutions to this is to use a, “Takt,” and Takt planning, steering, and control standards. A Takt defines the standards in a schedule within time, space and process. Efficiancy is dramatically reduced in construction planning and scheduling without adding the three Takt plan dimensions of time, space, and process. Improvement is only possible with repetition which is enabled when we package work by area within a Takt time. Only Takt planning creates the framework to turn all areas, processes, and the Takt time into an excellent production system for the entire construction project.
Takt planning is different than other scheduling systems because it:
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Is highly visible to the entire project team.
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Is a system that can mathematically optimize your schedule, not just calculate slack.
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Is very simple to use quickly.
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Reduces the load on the project team instead of burdening it like other systems.
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Is scale-able to any size project.
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Includes different perspectives from all project participants e.g. owner, site manager, sub contractor.
“Without standards, there can be no improvement.”
TAIICHI OHNO
THEORY
Takt is the “missing link” to scale and automate operational excellence and flow in construction. The Takt Production System is a scheduling system that maps flow through rhythm, continuity, and consistency. The system stabilizes the project so you can optimize it. It is shown on one page, in a format where you can see trade flow, workflow, and logistical flow. It is formatted spatially in what is called a Takt - the base unit of Takt planning. These Takts allow you to level work and create buffers so you can absorb interruptions and variation.
A Takt is the intersection of space, time, and process:
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Takt zones create the spaces on the construction site that break up the work;
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Takt time creates the time scale that forms the rhythm of the system;
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The packaged process within the Takt is the flow of workers and materials through these areas and according to the Takt time in a flow.
HOW IS TAKT IS LEAN
Are you ready to make more money, need less manpower, stabilize your procurement, and reduce the load on your team? If so, it is time for Takt planning & Takt Control. It creates a backbone for the project to align…
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Procurement
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Permissions
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Buyout
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Information
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Manpower
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Materials
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…in a pull system.
Takt stabilizes the construction environment. Construction projects will never be lean unless they first respect people and resources; second, create stability, capability, capacity, and flow; thirdly, engage the entire project team in total participation with visual systems; and then, and only then, create a system of quality and continuous improvement that meets a customer need. Takt planning and Takt control is instrumental for all four of those considerations. A project will never be lean, and never be able to continuously improve without the foundation of respect, stability, flow, and total participation with visual systems, therefore, no project can be lean without the Takt Production System at its foundation. Similarly, the Takt Production System is the construction equivalent of the Toyota Production System.