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The Non-Negotiables for Look-Ahead Planning for Project Success

In this blog, we’ll explore the essential elements of look-ahead planning to ensure your project stays on track. By the end of this, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to optimize your planning, eliminate roadblocks, and set your team up for success. Let’s dive into concepts you may not have encountered before that will transform how you approach your look-ahead plan.

Start with a Macro-Level Takt Plan

  1. Develop a Macro-Level Takt plan based on a five-day Takt time.
  2. Use this plan as the foundation for your production schedule and contractual promises.
  3. Pull conservative milestones, validated using reference class information and fresh eyes.
  4. Break milestones into zones to create a Norm-Level Takt plan, optimizing sequences and buffers to absorb risks.

Derive Your Look-Ahead Plan

  • Filter out the next six weeks of work from your Norm-Level Takt plan.
  • Focus on two main goals:
    • Make work ready.
    • Identify and resolve roadblocks.

Use the 17-Point Checklist

The 17-point checklist is essential for ensuring activities are ready. Key components include:

  • Conditions of satisfaction.
  • Primary and secondary planning.
  • Spatial planning.

Conduct Effective Look-Ahead Meetings

To make the most of your look-ahead meetings:

  1. Post the look-ahead plan visibly in a clear, visual format.
  2. Set a timer (e.g., 10 minutes) and ask trade partners to:
    • Analyze their scope for the next six weeks.
    • Identify potential roadblocks for their tasks.
  3. Focus on weeks 2–5.
    • Address all roadblocks in this window before they impact the weekly work plan.
    • Ensure weekly work plans are roadblock-free to enable smooth execution.

Track and Improve Your Roadblock Removal Average

The roadblock removal average measures how far in advance roadblocks are resolved:

  • Positive averages (e.g., +10 or +15 days): Indicate effective planning.
  • Negative averages: Show that roadblocks are identified too late, disrupting project flow.

Aim for a roadblock removal average of +5 or better to ensure proactive planning.

Indicators of Success in Look-Ahead Planning

If you’re doing it right, you’ll see:

  • A clear and visible format for your look-ahead plan.
  • The 17-point checklist prominently displayed and referenced during meetings.
  • Active participation from trade partners in identifying and resolving roadblocks.
  • Meetings focused 80% on roadblock removal.
  • A consistent roadblock removal average of +5 or better.

Final Thoughts

Look-ahead planning is essential for project success. By focusing on roadblock removal, adhering to the 17-point checklist, and engaging trade partners in the process, you’ll set your team up for success.

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