How To Do Coordinate Geometry

Posted on September 23, 2024September 23, 2024 by Jason Schroeder

Read 5 min

In this blog, we’ll explore the essentials of coordinate geometry and why it’s a crucial skill in your construction career. Understanding coordinate geometry frames a strong mindset that will set you up for success. We’ll break down key concepts that will help you use it effectively on job sites.

Advantages of Learning Coordinate Geometry

Understanding coordinate geometry is essential because it helps you visualize project sites from a technical standpoint. As we piece together components on a job site, the ability to manage them spatially is vital. This knowledge helps to conceptualize how different elements fit together in 3D space and ensures everything aligns perfectly. In construction, we’re not just dealing with 3D visualization (X, Y, and Z axes) but also the concept of time (T), forming a four-dimensional approach to project planning. This mindset enhances your ability to plan schedules, visualize spatial relationships, and avoid potential issues on-site.

The Basis of Coordinate Geometry

At its core, coordinate geometry revolves around a central origin point (0,0). Construction sites use three key dimensions: X (easting), Y (northing), and Z (elevation). These coordinates help pinpoint the precise location of every element on a site, from buildings to individual components.

How to Map Coordinates on a Plane

Coordinates are mapped on a 2D plane with X and Y axes. For example, the coordinate (2,3) means moving two units along the X-axis and three units along the Y-axis. When adding elevation, the coordinate (2,3,1) indicates the third value as the elevation in a 3D plane. Everything on a construction site has a coordinate, whether it’s a corner of a building or a specific point for installation. Knowing these coordinates ensures accurate placement and alignment of structures.

Importance of Knowing the Coordinates for a Building

In construction, the coordinates for a building play a vital role in positioning it correctly within a region or state. In the U.S., we use state plane coordinates to reference all buildings and benchmarks. These coordinates help ensure that buildings align correctly within their environment, avoiding misalignments or conflicts with nearby structures.

How to Apply Coordinate Geometry on a Project Site

When dealing with MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) trades or other contractors on-site, it’s crucial to use accurate coordinates to place components like unistrut or inserts. To do this, you’ll often create a site-specific coordinate system that aligns with the project’s overall layout. This system ensures all contractors can work from the same set of coordinates, preventing misalignments and errors.

How to Label Coordinates Based on Different Quadrants

The coordinate system is divided into four quadrants. The positive or negative values of X and Y depend on which quadrant you’re working in:

Quadrant 1: Positive X, Positive Y
Quadrant 2: Negative X, Positive Y
Quadrant 3: Negative X, Negative Y
Quadrant 4: Positive X, Negative Y

It’s essential to correctly label coordinates based on their quadrant to ensure accuracy.

Key Formulas in Coordinate Geometry

Distance Formula To calculate the distance between two points, use the following formula: $Distance=(x2−x1)2+(y2−y1)2\text{Distance} = \sqrt{(x_2 – x_1)^2 + (y_2 – y_1)^2}$ This formula helps determine the distance between any two points in space.
Azimuth Formula (Direction of a Line) To find the direction of a line, you can calculate the azimuth by using: $Azimuth=arctan⁡(x2−x1y2−y1)\text{Azimuth} = \arctan\left(\frac{x_2 – x_1}{y_2 – y_1}\right)$ This helps you identify the angle between two points relative to the Y-axis.
Latitude & Departure If you know the distance and azimuth between two points but need the new coordinates, calculate:
- Latitude: Distance × Cosine of Azimuth
- Departure: Distance × Sine of Azimuth

These formulas allow you to find new coordinates and navigate a site effectively.

Overview of Basic Coordinate Geometry

Coordinate geometry gives you a powerful tool to visualize and manage a project site. Whether setting up a site-specific coordinate system, calculating distances, or finding new coordinates, these skills are essential for any construction professional. Understanding these concepts will not only help you manage your site more efficiently but also enable you to work seamlessly with trade partners and contractors. With practice, you’ll develop the mindset of a builder, capable of visualizing projects in 3D and ensuring everything fits together perfectly.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

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What Does A3 Stand For In Lean?

Posted on September 21, 2024September 21, 2024 by Jason Schroeder

Read 4 min

In this blog, we’ll dive deep into understanding what A3 stands for in Lean methodology. Rather than getting too hung up on the format, let’s focus on the concept behind it. I’m confident that by the end of this post, you’ll feel comfortable with A3 and how it works.

What is A3 and Where Can You Use It?

In Lean methodology, an A3 refers to a specific problem-solving and communication tool, named after the ISO 216 standard paper size, commonly known as A3. The core idea is that all relevant information is summarized on a single page. While it’s possible to see A3 documents with multiple pages, the intent is usually to condense everything into one visual document. Lean tools, processes, and systems are designed to be “seeing systems”—their goal is to allow everyone to see, know, and act together. The A3 is no different. It enables problem-solving and clear communication on one sheet. Whether you’re facing a complex problem, pursuing a strategic goal, or even considering large-scale changes, the A3 format can help you organize and present your thoughts effectively.

Key Components of an A3

Let’s break down the essential components of an A3:

Problem Statement: This is usually positioned on the top left. The problem statement clearly defines the issue at hand so that there’s no confusion about what the team is trying to address. A well-articulated problem ensures that the right solutions are proposed.
Current State Analysis: This section provides context. It describes the conditions as they currently are, supported by data. It answers the questions: What is happening right now? What led to this problem? Understanding the current state is essential before proposing any solutions.
Goal Statement: After defining the problem and current state, the goal statement outlines what a successful outcome would look like. This is where you define the conditions of satisfaction. What will a positive resolution entail? What would “winning” look like?
Root Cause Analysis: In most cases, you’ll use the “Five Whys” method to dig deep and identify the contributing factors to the problem. Keep asking “why” until you uncover the root cause.
Proposed Countermeasures: Here’s where you get to suggest possible solutions or countermeasures to address the root cause. I recommend listing multiple options with their associated costs, schedules, and benefits. This allows the team to weigh different solutions before deciding on the best course of action.
Plan of Action: After evaluating countermeasures, the team will decide on a plan of action. This plan should directly address the root cause and include specific steps to implement the chosen solution.
Follow-up and Evaluation: In this section, you’ll describe how you’ll measure the success of your solution. What are the key performance indicators (KPIs) or other metrics that will show whether the plan is working?
Reflection and Learning: Finally, every A3 process should include a reflection on what was learned. There’s always room for improvement, and reflecting on the process helps the team get better at problem-solving over time.

Where and How to Use A3 in Construction

A3s are incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways within Lean construction:

Evaluating Process Problems: A3s are often used to analyze and solve problems in processes or systems.
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD): A3s are useful tools for group decision-making during design and construction, ensuring that key stakeholders can see the problem and proposed solutions on one page.
Business Decisions: A3s are great for strategic planning and complex business decisions.
Project Sites: Use A3s on construction sites to visualize and solve complex issues more quickly with the team.

A3s are also effective for scheduling, with Lean tools like Takt planning and the Last Planner system functioning like an A3 for scheduling.

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What Does A Field Engineer Do?

Posted on September 21, 2024September 21, 2024 by Jason Schroeder

Read 4 min

In this blog, I’ll explain the crucial duties of a field engineer, their mindset, main responsibilities, and how to succeed in the role. This is a topic I love! Every construction project, in every company around the world, should have field engineers. While we often see project engineers handling the office side of things, it’s the field engineers who truly enable the craft in the field. If I ever found myself back in the construction industry, I wouldn’t take on a job or work at a company that didn’t have field engineers. Their role is vital to the systematic training of future superintendents and the development of a builder mindset across all teams. Even if your company doesn’t currently have this role, there’s still time to create a culture and program that will nurture and train future leaders. Let’s dive into what field engineers do and why they’re so important.

What Field Engineers Focus On

Unlike project managers or engineers who focus on “what,” “why,” “how,” and “when,” the field engineer’s focus is on “where.” They determine where critical components like embankments, walls, reinforcing structures, and building gridlines go. Without a field engineer, companies can lose hundreds of thousands of dollars due to mistakes in location and quality control.

The Role of Field Engineers in Construction

The primary role of field engineers is to train future superintendents. Their number one skill? Figuring things out. Many current superintendents struggle with technology, understanding plans, and adopting new methodologies like Lean Construction. Field engineers, however, excel at learning, adapting, and solving problems. Field engineers also serve to enable the craft. When field engineers collaborate with craft workers—doing layouts, checks, and placements together—it forms a deep connection. This experience ensures that future superintendents respect the craft workers throughout their careers.

Field Engineers Are the Honey Badgers of Construction

Field engineers are fearless. They’re like honey badgers—bold and determined, getting things done no matter the challenge. They embrace the grind, solve problems, and do what it takes to support their craft. This mindset allows them to execute their duties with confidence and determination.

Learning Construction as a Field Engineer

To succeed, field engineers must learn construction as fast as possible. They’re responsible for frontline safety, ensuring safety plans are executed in the field. Field engineers are the “boots on the ground,” enforcing safety protocols and holding the line on quality.

Quality Control and Layout

Field engineers are integral to maintaining quality. They participate in pre-construction meetings, create quality checklists, and conduct thorough inspections. They are also responsible for layout and control, ensuring proper placement and elevations in a building. Field engineers visualize and coordinate the work in 3D, which becomes invaluable when they transition to roles as superintendents.

Creating Lift Drawings and Solving Problems

Field engineers are responsible for creating “lift drawings” to coordinate complex installations like electrical, structural, and equipment layouts. This process helps them spot potential problems early, reducing errors and delays. Moreover, field engineers act as problem solvers. They handle technical issues, respond to RFIs (requests for information), and review submittals. They are a valuable resource for the project team, alleviating the burden on superintendents by solving problems before they escalate.

Supporting Superintendents and Office Duties

Field engineers also assist with various office duties, from preparing reports to reviewing submittals and even helping with subcontractor payments. Their support extends to field crews, ensuring everything runs smoothly on-site.

The Importance of Field Engineers in Construction

The role of field engineers is crucial for growing the next generation of superintendents. You can’t expect to have superintendents without field engineers to nurture and develop them. If you want to grow your construction team, you must invest in field engineers. They are the future of successful, sustainable construction projects. In the resources section below, you’ll find links to a podcast series that dives even deeper into this topic. I hope this blog helps you understand the importance of field engineers and inspires you to integrate them into your construction projects.

If you want to learn more we have:

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Is Project Manager A Leadership Role?

Posted on September 20, 2024September 20, 2024 by Jason Schroeder

Read 6 min

In this blog, I’m going to make the case that project management is more than just managing tasks and schedules—it’s a leadership role. The word “manager” might confuse some, but make no mistake: project managers are leaders. I’ll explain why this role qualifies as a leadership position and explore how a project manager can go beyond traditional management to truly lead teams and projects to success. Let’s dive in!

The Reality of Being a Project Manager

A project manager’s job isn’t just about handling logistics, resources, and deadlines. While those are important, they only cover the management aspect of the role. The real power of a project manager lies in leading people—motivating, inspiring, and guiding them to success. Leadership is about creating a shared vision, solving problems, and bringing out the best in your team. Here are several reasons why project managers are leaders.

How Project Managers Lead in Strategic Planning & Execution

While the execution of a plan might be a management task, the creation of a strategic plan is a leadership endeavor. A project manager doesn’t just sit back and assign tasks—they guide the planning process. This often involves collaborating with clients, design teams, consultants, trade partners, and internal teams to come up with a clear and actionable strategy.

Leadership in this context is about getting people on board with a vision and ensuring they are committed to the plan. You don’t manage your way to a strategic plan; you lead people to create one as a team.

Team Leadership in Action

A project manager’s leadership doesn’t stop with the plan—it extends to building and maintaining the team. This involves hiring, training, and promoting the right people, but also managing the soft skills like conflict resolution, team-building, and goal-setting. A good project manager understands that the first step to success is getting the right team in place and fostering an environment of trust and collaboration.

Leading a team means being a connector, someone who resolves conflicts, helps set shared goals, and holds the team accountable. It takes strong leadership to unite a team and ensure they work seamlessly together toward project success.

How Project Managers Lead in Decision Making

Decision-making isn’t simply about choosing a direction—it’s about involving the team in the process. A great project manager leads by gathering input, facilitating discussions, and helping the team weigh the pros and cons of various options. It requires active listening, which is key to understanding different perspectives and arriving at a decision that everyone supports.

This type of leadership is collaborative and people-centered. It’s not about dictating; it’s about rallying the team around the best possible outcome, which is what true leaders do.

Effective Communication is Leadership

Leaders are masters of communication, and project managers need to be just that. Good communication is more than sending emails or memos—it’s about creating clarity and inspiration. Leadership in communication means reinforcing key messages, ensuring everyone understands their roles, and keeping the team motivated even when times get tough.

Whether it’s onboarding a new partner or keeping the team’s morale high during difficult phases, a project manager must communicate clearly and consistently. This takes leadership, not just management.

Leading Through Resource Management

Managing resources might sound like a task for a manager, but true leadership comes into play when a project manager fights for the resources their team needs to succeed. It’s not just about working within the budget or sticking to schedules—it’s about having the bravery and commitment to ensure the team is well-equipped, even when that requires difficult decisions or pushback from higher-ups.

Leaders go beyond just managing the logistics—they stand up for their team, ensuring they have everything they need to succeed.

How Project Managers Lead in Quality Control

Quality control is another area where leadership plays a key role. A project manager must lead the team through important preparation processes, such as preconstruction meetings and inspections, even when others might be resistant. It takes strong leadership to ensure that quality is upheld at every stage of the project.

A project manager leads by holding the team accountable for maintaining quality standards, pushing through the difficult but necessary steps to ensure excellence.

Client Relations Require Leadership

Strong client relationships are critical to project success, and managing these relationships requires leadership. A project manager who leads will always be transparent, honest, and proactive in their communication with clients. They don’t shy away from tough conversations or hide behind excuses. Instead, they build trust through real relationships and hard-earned credibility.

Leading the client relationship means being brave enough to have difficult discussions, ask the right questions, and maintain transparency throughout the project.

Leadership in Safety

Safety is a top priority on any project, and it requires strong leadership to ensure it remains the focus. A project manager who leads by example will set the tone for safety, holding the team to high standards and maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for safety risks.

When a project manager leads in safety, the team follows, and the result is a safer, more effective project.

Leading in Negotiation & Conflict Resolution

Great project managers are leaders in negotiation and conflict resolution. Instead of looking for shortcuts or fake solutions, they work hard to find win-win scenarios that benefit everyone involved. It’s about empathy, vision, and a commitment to doing what’s best for the project and the team.

Leadership in these moments isn’t about getting the easiest solution but finding the right one—something that benefits all parties and creates long-term success.

Final Thoughts: Why Project Management is a Leadership Role

So, is project management a leadership role? Absolutely. A project manager needs to be more than just a task master—they need to be a leader. Visionary thinking, decisiveness, empathy, and integrity are all hallmarks of great leadership, and they are the qualities that make a project manager successful.

To all the project managers leading their teams to success: we see you, and we appreciate you. For those looking to step up, now is the time to embrace the leadership aspect of your role and inspire your team to new heights.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

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How Are Superintendents Chosen?

Posted on September 19, 2024September 19, 2024 by Jason Schroeder

Read 4 min

How to Choose the Right Superintendent for Your Project: Key Considerations

In this blog, I’m going to walk you through the process of choosing the right superintendent for your construction project. I’ll cover exactly what to look for, the steps you should take, and how to ensure you’re not left with a leaderless job site. This is a crucial decision, and if you’re into creating smooth, successful construction operations, you’ve come to the right place.

The Common Issue with Superintendents in Construction

This is a topic that not only gets searched frequently online but is also a common challenge in the industry. Many companies hire superintendents based solely on experience. What often happens is that the superintendent will show up on the job site and begin acting as the lead foreman, digging into the details, solving day-to-day problems, and in doing so, neglecting their true role. Meanwhile, the project goes leaderless, systems fall apart, and the overall job site environment suffers.

Understanding the Role of a Superintendent

A foreman is the lead worker on a crew, but a superintendent is not supposed to be a “lead foreman.” The superintendent’s job is to synchronize the entire job site, ensuring all systems are in place for success. They are process-driven and systems-oriented professionals. Their focus should be on the big picture: setting the rhythm of work, organizing collaborative meetings, and creating the right environment for trade partners to do their best work.

When superintendents get bogged down in foreman-type tasks like managing materials and solving every small issue, they’re not focusing on critical areas like how the team operates, how to maintain the job site’s flow, and how to set up systems that ensure project success.

The Key Qualities to Look For

So, what should you look for when hiring a superintendent? It’s not just about experience. Yes, experience is important, but it’s not everything. The best superintendents know the processes, systems, and how to build teams. Here’s what really matters:

Cultural Fit: Are they aligned with your company’s values?
Growth Mindset: Are they willing to learn, adapt, and implement new systems?
Process-Driven Thinking: Can they run processes and systems effectively?

By focusing on these qualities, you’ll find superintendents who can truly lead, not just individuals with years of experience repeating the same tasks without growth.

How to Hire a Superintendent

Project Needs: First, outline what type of project you’re hiring for. The superintendent’s experience should align with the project type (civil, industrial, etc.), but prioritize their ability to manage systems over their experience in a specific niche.
Job Requirements: Make it clear what the superintendent will be in charge of. Use a scorecard to list out responsibilities and ensure the candidate understands exactly what they are signing up for.
Recruitment and Sourcing: Advertise the role internally and externally, and look for candidates who not only have relevant experience but also demonstrate a growth mindset and a focus on systems.
Evaluation: Evaluate candidates against your scorecard and conduct scenario-based assessments. See how they handle real-world job site challenges.
Interviews: Conduct a 360-degree interview process with multiple rounds and input from different team members. Get a broad perspective on each candidate.
Cultural Fit: Ensure the candidate aligns with your company’s core values and long-term vision. This is critical for long-term success.
Support: After hiring, provide ongoing support. It takes time to adjust to a new company culture, so stay involved in the first three months to ensure they’re the right fit.

Final Takeaway

The role of a superintendent isn’t just about solving problems on-site or overseeing the work directly. It’s about running a system, managing processes, and creating an environment where the project can thrive. By focusing on cultural fit, growth mindset, and process-driven thinking, you’ll be able to hire superintendents who not only lead but excel in their roles.

If you want to learn more we have:

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How to Manage Delays in Construction Projects

Posted on September 19, 2024September 19, 2024 by Jason Schroeder

Read 6 min

Managing delays in construction projects is a challenge that most project managers face at some point. In this blog, I’m going to share a general strategy to help you avoid and manage delays effectively. These insights, inspired by conversations with lean experts and my experience in the industry, are designed to give you actionable tips you can implement right away.

The Key to Avoiding Delays in Construction

The main takeaway is this: the key to avoiding delays is preventing variation from happening in the first place. While it’s essential to know how to overcome delays when they occur, the best approach is to avoid them altogether by preventing the factors that cause them.

Critical Scheduling Tools

There are several key scheduling tools that can help prevent delays by spotting potential issues early:

Master Schedule: This is your big-picture plan that reveals strategic problems.
Takt Plan: Identifies sequence issues and ensures everything is networked together.
6-Week Make-Ready Look-Ahead Plan: Helps make work ready by asking critical questions about people, equipment, materials, and resources. If the answer is no, you’ve identified a potential roadblock.
Weekly Work Plan: Transitions from a high-level plan to a 100% committed and coordinated plan.
Daily Plan: Ensures that tasks for the following day are clear and free from roadblocks.

Each of these tools is designed to prevent variation and delays by aligning tasks, resources, and schedules effectively.

Key Questions to Ask to Avoid Delays

To further ensure success, here’s a quick checklist to help you avoid delays on your construction project:

Do you have a well-designed trailer?
Are all your schedule deliverables visualized on boards?
Are your zone maps and logistics plans visible and up-to-date?
Are you proactively identifying potential issues during meetings and huddles?
Have you aligned your supply chain between the first planners and last planners?

By keeping these elements in check, you can prevent a lot of problems from arising on the project.

Using the Crystal Ball Analogy

I often refer to scheduling tools as your “crystal ball.” In “The Lord of the Rings,” the Wizards use a crystal ball to see into the future and understand what’s happening. The same applies to your construction project. Your schedule deliverables are like crystal balls—tools you can use at set times to look into the future, identify potential problems, and determine what needs to be done to prevent those issues from becoming delays.

Each of the schedules I mentioned earlier allows you to see the future of your project. By looking ahead, you can anticipate roadblocks and prevent them, which is the key to reducing variation and delays.

Why Buffers Are Essential

But let’s be honest, not all delays are preventable. When you can’t avoid variation, buffers in your system become your best friend. In the Takt system, buffers allow you to account for unforeseen delays without derailing the entire project.

There are two types of delays to be aware of:

Foreseeable Delays: These are the delays you can anticipate and plan for. For example, if you know the crane has to take a certain path, and it might hit a bridge, you can reroute it in advance.
Unforeseeable Delays: These are the ones you can’t plan for, like a natural disaster or sudden design changes. While you can’t prevent these, buffers will help absorb the impact.

Buffers act as a cushion for your project, helping you absorb delays without panicking, rushing, or causing additional problems.

How to Create Buffers

Creating buffers is simple but strategic:

Start with your Macro-level Takt Plan and use a calculator to determine if you’re in the right range for your schedule.
Afterward, do a pull plan to verify the sequence and work with trades to optimize zones.
The goal is to incline your macro-level takt plan without affecting your trade partners’ durations. This creates time buffers ahead of critical milestones.

Buffers are like the bumpers between a boat and a dock—if the waves hit, the boat won’t be damaged. The same applies to your construction project. Buffers help protect it from the unexpected.

Absorbing Delays: Key Strategies

If you encounter delays despite all efforts, here are some strategies you can use to absorb them:

Interrupt the takt time or sequence and eat into a buffer.
Isolate the delayed area from the rest of the plan.
Add swing capacity or bring in additional crews without overburdening resources.
Rezone the successor areas into smaller zones to recover time.

Your trade partners won’t overuse buffers, so you can trust them to manage delays appropriately. Transparency is key here, and with clear production planning, buffers can be managed effectively without disrupting the entire project.

The Golden Rule: Align Work with Capacity

When managing delays, always ensure that work aligns with the capacity of your system. You never want to exceed your system’s capacity because that can lead to overburdened resources, decreased productivity, and even more delays.

Rather than limiting work in process, focus on aligning it with the system’s capacity. Whether you’re bringing in extra crews or working overtime, the goal is to recover from delays without exceeding what your system can handle.

When to Ask for an Extension

If you’ve followed all the steps above and there’s still a delay, it’s time to ask for an extension. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a delay is unavoidable. In these cases, having an intelligent conversation with the owner and possibly submitting a time impact analysis is the most responsible course of action.

Need Help Managing Delays? Contact Us!

At the end of the day, I want this process to work for you. Whether you need help setting up buffers or aligning work in process, we’re here to help. Our team specializes in building takt plans, implementing the Last Planner System, and supporting construction projects. Just reach out to us, and we can assist you in managing delays on your next project.

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How To Solve Construction Problems

Posted on September 18, 2024September 19, 2024 by Jason Schroeder

Read 4 min

In this blog, I’m going to take you through the absolute best way to solve construction problems with your team. We’ll discuss who should be involved and a solid approach that can be applied to any problem-solving framework. Stick with us!

How We Made Takt Control Boards Using the IDS Pattern

Today, I want to discuss the IDS pattern, which stands for Identify, Discuss, and Solve. While I’ve mentioned this before, let me tell you a quick story. At Lean Takt, we specialize in Takt and CPM, along with last planner, Scrum, scheduling, project controls, and project support. We help our clients take things to the next level, ensuring flow not only in planning but also in the field.

During a trip to Germany, I met Marco, who showed me how Takt control boards were being used to track key performance indicators and visualize the production system. Since that visit, I’ve been working on how to recreate these boards in the United States using our systems. After years of thought, I finally found inspiration in the book Traction by Gino Wickman and from Lauren Atwell of Petticoat-Schmitt. IDS—Identify, Discuss, Solve—became the solution.

The IDS method builds a structure around tackling problems. When you know who’s on the team, what roles they play, and when they’ll meet to solve issues, you’re already ahead. This is reflected in the four boards we created:

Team Overview: The first board lists team members, their roles, and their meeting structures.
Identify Problems: The second board includes floor plans, logistics, and constraints. This is where trade partners can visually show where they’re encountering issues.
Discuss Solutions: The third board is where we discuss our weekly and daily plans.
Solve: The final board lists our problems and solutions. Larger problems move to the Scrum board for project management to handle.

With this meeting cadence, teams can track, discuss, and solve issues in real-time, creating a workflow that prevents delays and restarts. This is how we help clients finish projects on time, every time.

Most Effective Way to Solve Construction Problems

The reason for sharing this story is simple: having the right meeting system and interactions is crucial for any project. Once you have a system for visualizing and tracking problems, and a place to discuss and plan solutions, your team can act quickly and efficiently.

Defining the Problem

A crucial step in problem-solving is defining the problem. Often, we’re too quick to jump to solutions without fully understanding what the real issue is. When I talk to clients, I always ask, “What’s the problem we’re trying to solve?” By spending time on this step, you can avoid wasting effort on irrelevant solutions.

Planning the Approach

Once the problem is clear, the next step is to plan the approach. Appoint a leader, gather information, and get feedback from the team. Collaboration is key to developing an actionable plan that everyone is aligned with.

Resolving and Verifying the Solution

After implementing your solution, you’ll want to verify the results. Is the problem actually solved? Are the results up to standard? Is the solution repeatable? These questions are important for long-term success.

Documenting and Sharing Solutions

One often-overlooked step is documenting the process. Writing down the successes and challenges ensures that future teams can learn from past experiences. Sharing this information across the organization is crucial for continuous improvement.

Final Thoughts

The IDS method has proven to be a reliable approach to solving construction problems. By getting the right people together, visualizing problems, and following a structured approach to solve them, your team can stay on track and improve efficiency. Problems aren’t a bad thing—ignoring them is. Identify them, discuss them, and solve them.

Remember, the only real problem is pretending we don’t have any problems. Happy problem-solving!

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What Is Construction Planning?

Posted on September 18, 2024October 16, 2024 by Jason Schroeder

Read 4 min

When it comes to the construction process, planning plays a crucial role in ensuring success from start to finish. In this blog, we’ll explore the six types of planning that every builder or construction manager must be involved in, share essential long-term habits, and highlight one often-forgotten aspect of construction planning. Let’s dive in.

Phase 1: How to Plan to Win the Job

The planning process starts even before you land the project. This phase involves submitting a written proposal and participating in an interview. Planning for these stages is not just a marketing strategy; it’s an integral part of starting the job.

Key Points:

The Hero’s Journey: Your client is the hero, and you are the guide. As their guide, it’s your job to identify the key challenges they may face in the project and offer solutions that will help them succeed. This step sets you apart as an essential partner in their project.
Macro-Level Takt Plan: Create a one-page macro-level takt plan for the project. Keep it simple yet strategic, so the client can easily see how you plan to deliver results. Avoid overwhelming them with long, complex schedules.

Phase 2: Planning Inside the Design of the Project

Once you’ve won the job, your role shifts to helping the design team stay within budget and on schedule. This phase involves working through concept design, schematic design, and early design development.

Key Objectives:

Stay on Budget: Help the design team stay on track by providing real-time input on budget and scheduling.
Constructability Reviews: Ensure the project remains feasible at every step by conducting regular constructability reviews.

Phase 3: Starting the Construction Project Right

Getting a project started on the right foot is critical to long-term success. This phase focuses on setting up the project for success by organizing quality meetings, permits, and getting the necessary contractors mobilized.

Tips for Success:

Start Strong: Proper planning at this stage can make or break the project. Ensure everything is in place for a smooth start.
Detailed Scheduling: Work with trade partners to create a detailed schedule, outlining the next 90 days to get things moving.

Phase 4: Production Planning

Production planning is about collaboration. In this phase, you’ll work with your team to involve all stakeholders and ensure smooth operations throughout the construction process.

Core Practices:

Pull Planning: Plan each phase of the project in detail, looking ahead four to six weeks at a time.
Day Planning: Break tasks down into daily goals to maintain momentum and keep the project on track.

Phase 5: Scope Planning

Scope planning ties into quality control. This phase is where you work with your trades to ensure that everything is in place—materials, schedules, and logistics—before the work begins.

Key Focus Areas:

Pre-Construction Meetings: Conduct these meetings two to three weeks before the start of work to make sure all details are ironed out.
Permits and Approvals: Ensure that all necessary permits and approvals are obtained before starting any major tasks.

Phase 6: Task-Specific Planning

This final phase involves the foreman’s task-specific planning. By this stage, all other planning steps should be complete, allowing the foreman to focus on leading the team effectively.

Important Considerations:

Pre-Task Plans: Ensure the foreman has everything needed—materials, equipment, permissions—to lead the crew effectively.
Quality Checklists: Make sure the foreman has access to the necessary checklists to guarantee that work meets quality standards.

Final Thoughts on Construction Planning

To wrap up, effective construction planning involves not just focusing on the tasks at hand, but also ensuring that every phase of the project is thoroughly prepared for. From winning the job to delivering high-quality work on time, planning is the key to a successful construction project. If you’re a senior supervisor, project manager, or construction manager, remember that planning is your most valuable skill.

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What Is Integrated Project Delivery In Construction?

Posted on September 18, 2024October 16, 2024 by Jason Schroeder

Read 4 min

We hear about Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) all the time. But what’s the big deal? In this blog, I’m going to discuss what IPD is and why its principles should be used whenever possible.

What Is Integrated Project Delivery in Construction?

IPD is a collaborative approach to delivering projects in construction. It involves a high level of integration, collaboration, and shared risk among key stakeholders, including the owner, designers, and contractors. The goal of IPD is to enhance communication, efficiency, and overall project success by fostering a unified team that works towards common objectives.

So, when you think about IPD, remember integration. Think of an integrated team, design, location, systems, technology, and communication. We don’t want people working in different locations, batching work, and wasting time. We want an integrated team delivering the project with the same goals, not in the contractual “knife fight” typical of design-bid-build and other methods.

Here are some key characteristics and principles of IPD:

1. Early Collaboration

Early collaboration begins right after contractor selection. The IPD method allows stakeholders—the owner, architects, engineers, contractors, key trade partners, and even end users—to co-locate and work together. This early collaboration ensures real-time feedback, better communication, and alignment toward the project’s stipulated goals.

2. Shared Risks and Rewards

In IPD, all parties share both the risks and rewards, fostering accountability and collaboration. The integrated form of agreement (IFOA) locks participants into a shared risk-reward model, encouraging joint decision-making that benefits the overall project rather than individual entities.

3. Joint Decision-Making

Because IPD fosters shared risks and rewards, joint decision-making is a natural part of the process. Instead of a “knife fight” seen in traditional methods, stakeholders make decisions together for the project’s greater good.

4. Multi-Party Agreements

Typically, IPD operates under a multi-party agreement, often a tri-party agreement. This collaborative framework defines the responsibilities of all parties and aligns their interests for the project’s success.

5. Open Communication

Open, transparent communication is key in IPD. Teams are co-located, participating in regular workshops, meetings, and information-sharing events to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

6. Integrated Technology

Technology plays a vital role in IPD environments. Teams use shared information platforms and focus on virtual design and construction efforts, centered around the Building Information Model (BIM). This technology enables better collaboration, faster decision-making, and improved efficiency.

7. Lean Construction Principles

IPD often integrates Lean construction principles, including tax planning and Scrum, which are aligned with the clusters in the IPD framework. Real-time data sharing keeps teams updated and fosters quick decision-making to keep the project on track.

8. Early Goal Definition

In an IPD environment, all stakeholders are aligned with the overall project goals. This goal alignment ensures that everyone is working toward the same objectives, increasing the chances of success.

9. Flexibility and Adaptability

A flexible team with fixed goals is key to success in IPD. The flexibility allows teams to adjust their methods and approaches to meet shared objectives without conflict.

10. Focusing on Life Cycle Costs

IPD is one of the few contract delivery methods that emphasizes life cycle costs and the experience of end users. By involving facility managers, directors, and end users early in the process, IPD ensures that the project meets their needs while keeping costs manageable.

The Power of Integrated Project Delivery

Ultimately, IPD’s success comes down to integration. Integration of people, systems, communication, and goals. This approach helps teams eliminate delays, miscommunication, and conflicts often present in traditional project delivery methods.

If you get the chance to work on an IPD project, I highly recommend it. IPD allows teams to overcome challenges and deliver exceptional results.

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General Offerings

Company Offerings

Systems

Advantages of Learning Coordinate Geometry

The Basis of Coordinate Geometry

How to Map Coordinates on a Plane

Importance of Knowing the Coordinates for a Building

How to Apply Coordinate Geometry on a Project Site

How to Label Coordinates Based on Different Quadrants

Key Formulas in Coordinate Geometry

Overview of Basic Coordinate Geometry

What is A3 and Where Can You Use It?

Key Components of an A3

Where and How to Use A3 in Construction

What Field Engineers Focus On

The Role of Field Engineers in Construction

Field Engineers Are the Honey Badgers of Construction

Learning Construction as a Field Engineer

Quality Control and Layout

Creating Lift Drawings and Solving Problems

Supporting Superintendents and Office Duties

The Importance of Field Engineers in Construction

Phase 1: How to Plan to Win the Job

Phase 2: Planning Inside the Design of the Project

Phase 3: Starting the Construction Project Right

Phase 4: Production Planning

Phase 5: Scope Planning

Phase 6: Task-Specific Planning

Final Thoughts on Construction Planning

1. Early Collaboration

2. Shared Risks and Rewards

3. Joint Decision-Making

4. Multi-Party Agreements

5. Open Communication

6. Integrated Technology

7. Lean Construction Principles

8. Early Goal Definition

9. Flexibility and Adaptability

10. Focusing on Life Cycle Costs

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