Lessons from LCI Congress
Spending time at LCI Congress was an energizing experience. We had an incredible booth, sold out of books, and I connected with so many people who are genuinely pushing our industry forward. I also presented on how Takt supports Last Planner, and the discussions reinforced just how important these systems are for creating reliable flow. Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. The debates about CPM were fiery, but even in the pushback I saw a deeper hunger for improvement. It reminded me why I’m so passionate about flow-based systems, they provide solutions that actually work in the real world.Understanding the Power of Bottlenecks
When most people think of bottlenecks, they think of delays. But sometimes, they’re the very thing that saves us from chaos. Think about the Panama Canal: you don’t just sail in. You stop, prepare, get clearance, and only then move forward. That’s a gate. In construction, the same principle applies. If crews push forward without readiness, we create unfinished work, pile up waste, and lose flow. By setting up gates, what I call auto-regulating bottlenecks, we make sure that standards are met, preparation is complete, and work is truly ready before moving forward.Why It Matters for Our Teams
I often compare it to traffic. A freeway without regulated entry turns into gridlock. But when you slow cars down at the ramp, you actually make the whole system faster. Construction works the same way. Sometimes slowing down feels counterintuitive, but it’s exactly what sustains productivity. By controlling work in progress at the right points, we prevent chaos and create consistent, predictable results.Key Takeaway
Auto-regulating bottlenecks are not obstacles but checkpoints. When used with intention, they protect flow, reduce waste, and keep teams moving forward with greater confidence.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.
On we go
