What is the Kanban method and why should I use it in construction?

November 8, 2024
5 min
Use of the kanban method in construction

Kanban is an agile project management approach that has grown in popularity in many industries, including construction.

Originally from the Japanese car industry, Kanban is based on the principles of “just-in-time” production and visualization of the workflow.

Principles of the Kanban method

La Kanban method is an ideal tool for a project manager. It is a agile method which allows for careful monitoring of each project. A Kanban board is based on four key principles:

1. Visualize the workflow: Tasks are represented on a Kanban board divided into columns (to do, in progress, completed) to get an overview of the process.

2. Limit work in progress: A limit is set on the number of tasks that can be running simultaneously, in order to avoid overloading.

3. Manage the flow: Identifying bottlenecks and resolving them optimizes the fluidity of the workflow.

4. Continuous improvement: The team is committed to a dynamic of optimization and efficiency by regularly adjusting the process.

The typical context of construction sites is an ideal framework for the application of this system. The Kanban board is perfect for specifics of construction activities, making the management of each project more efficient.

Why use a Kanban board in construction?

The Kanban method is particularly well suited to construction projects, which are often characterized by complex and interdependent work processes. It is a methodology that is well suited to this type of business, making it possible to follow all the stages of a construction site.

Managing current tasks and workload

The Kanban board allows construction teams to clearly visualize the tasks to be completed, those in progress and those completed. This makes it easier to equitable distribution of the workload between the different trades. In the case of a digital version, you can access your task board from your smartphone as well as from your computer. So, whether you are on the construction site or in the office, you have access to all planned activities just by opening the tables associated with each site.

Coordination between teams

Thanks to the transparency offered by the Kanban board, the coordination between the different teams (builders, electricians, plumbers, etc.) is greatly improved. Everyone can see the progress of each other's tasks and adapt accordingly. Better communication is a guarantee not only of better performances in the field, but also of a better general atmosphere within the company. You will thus improve the retention of your employees by offering them a working environment where misunderstandings and misunderstandings are reduced to nothing.

Digital version of Kanban

Numerous digital tools, like Civalgo, offer virtual Kanban boards. This allows remote management of each project, with real-time access to information for all stakeholders. You can then create a custom Kanban board for all your projects, while having a precise follow-up of the tasks in progress and the planned participants. Each stage of your project is visible in a few clicks on the online tool's dashboard. Here is a example of a kanban board to help you visualize what this looks like in practice:

Illustration of a digital version of a Kanban board

5 good reasons to use the Kanban board in construction

The Kanban system provides numerous benefits for businesses of construction. Thanks to its ability to visualize the workflow, limit the workload of your team, and optimize coordination, Kanban allows you to:significantly improve the productivity and efficiency of construction sites. This agile system is particularly suited to the challenges of the construction industry, which is characterized by complex processes and frequent changes.

1. Productivity improvement

One of the advantages of the Kanban method allows better visibility over the entire work process. This makes it easier to identify issues such as materials management and areas of overload, thus making it possible to take the necessary measures to resolve them. En optimizing the workflow, the Kanban method contributes to a significant improvement in the productivity of your employees.

2. Better coordination between teams

The Kanban board, accessible to all stakeholders, offers transparency on the progress of tasks of each one. This increased visibility greatly facilitates coordination between the various members of the team (builders, electricians, plumbers, etc.) on construction sites. Everyone can thus adapt according to the state of progress of other trades. This allows increased efficiency with better collaboration.

3. Reduction of deadlines

Thanks to better workflow management and strengthened coordination between teams, the use of the Kanban method makes it possible to reduce deadlines of delivery. Tasks are executed more fluidly, avoiding delays in the process. The stages of the construction work are gradually being carried out without any problems thanks to the implementation of the Kanban system.

4. Flexibility to adapt to frequent changes

Construction sites are often subject to numerous changes and unforeseen events. The Kanban method, with its agile approach, allows teams to adapt more easily to these changes. The visual chart makes it easy to reallocate tasks and the reorganization of work according to the new constraints.

5. Increased team involvement

The transparency offered by the Kanban board, as well as the continuous improvement process that accompanies it, promote greater involvement of teams. Employees feel more empowered and committed to optimizing processes, which contributes to better overall performance.

In conclusion, the Kanban method is particularly suited to the challenges of the construction industry. Its visual boards thus allow companies to optimize their processes, better coordinate their teams and deliver their projects in a shorter time frame.

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