In this blog post, I will discuss how every foreman can prepare, build, and finish their work successfully. If you want to know how to prepare effectively and execute your tasks efficiently, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive into the overall system and the critical role of a foreman in a construction project.
The Role of a Foreman in a Construction Project
Many foremen believe that once they encounter a roadblock, they are stuck in that moment. However, this perspective overlooks the broader scope of their responsibilities. A foreman must think three weeks to three months ahead, participating in a process called “pull planning.” This involves committing to the sequence of tasks and ensuring smooth workflow across different zones.
Before starting a work package, a foreman needs to be involved in pull planning to interact with other trades effectively. This collaborative approach ensures that all contractors, including successors, work together seamlessly.
As the work progresses, foremen study plans and specifications to get up to speed. They also hold quality pre-construction meetings with trade partners and superintendents to align on expectations.
The concept of “Make Ready” is crucial. This phase focuses on removing roadblocks and ensuring that all necessary tools, equipment, materials, and information are in place before starting work. The foreman must aim to eliminate obstacles ahead of time and ideally finish the job with a buffer to manage unexpected issues.
What I disagree with is the notion that foremen should give up after hitting a roadblock. Instead, a foreman’s world extends from pull planning to quality preparation and ongoing roadblock removal, all the way to project completion. The expectation is clear: plan, build, and finish in a continuous flow.
How Foremen Can Use Crew Boards On Site
One innovative tool for foremen is the crew board, which you can create using Canva templates linked below. Imagine having crews in different zones, each equipped with a vertical whiteboard on casters. This board contains essential information, allowing foremen to engage with workers and gather their input, ensuring everyone is aligned with the plan.
How to Format a Crew Board
The crew board is designed for visibility and organization. Here’s how to set it up:
- Look Ahead Plan: This section in the top left shows the upcoming tasks and the overall scope. A clip holds the weekly work plan and look-ahead plan in place.
- Weekly Work Plan: This displays the specific activities the crew is committed to for the week, helping everyone understand their immediate goals.
- Day Planning: Here, the crew can outline daily activities, detailing the zone, the people involved, and the necessary resources for completion.
Additionally, include a checklist to ensure all crew members have the required labor, equipment, tools, materials, layout, space to work, training, and time to execute their tasks efficiently.
The Purpose of Putting the Different Plans on a Crew Board
The look-ahead plan is essential for making work ready and identifying potential problems early. By pinpointing issues ahead of time, crews can address them before they impact productivity. The weekly work plan helps the crew understand their commitments, fostering a proactive approach to problem-solving.
The day plan focuses on execution, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently. This systematic approach—from long-term planning to daily execution—provides clarity and structure.
Benefits of Using a Crew Board On Site
A crew board can also feature an axonometric 3D view of the site, displaying different floors and site logistics. This visual aid enables foremen to discuss potential problems directly with the crew, encouraging them to identify and resolve issues collaboratively.
It’s crucial for crews to understand the difference between roadblocks (temporary obstacles that can be removed) and constraints (permanent challenges that require adjustment). Clear communication about these distinctions is vital for efficient operations.
To further enhance the crew board’s effectiveness, include sections for:
- Punch List: Activities that need to be completed from previous tasks.
- Handoffs: Key items that need to be passed between crews, along with preparation requirements.
- Prep Needs: Items needed for afternoon meetings to ensure everyone is prepared for the next steps.
What to Do Before Workers Leave
Before the crew finishes their shift, ensure they have a clear understanding of their tasks for the day. The best foremen guarantee that their teams know what’s expected and have all the resources they need to succeed.
In conclusion, these crew boards are formatted to enhance communication and efficiency on-site. I hope to see crews using this visual approach at every workplace. For further reading, I recommend the book Elevating Construction Foreman, which covers these concepts in greater detail.
Thank you for joining me in this discussion, and I look forward to sharing more insights in future blog posts!
