Just-in-time construction is a process where construction projects are planned and executed in a way that minimizes wasted time and resources.
The just-in-time approach has been around for decades, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years as the workforce has shifted towards on-demand work.
What is Just-In-Time Construction?
Just-in-time construction, or JIT construction, is a methodology used in the building and construction industry that involves delivering materials and supplies to the construction site only as they are needed. The goal of JIT construction is to minimize waste and optimize efficiency by reducing the amount of time and resources that are wasted waiting for construction materials to be delivered.
The Similarities Of Just-In-Time Construction to On-Demand Staffing
While the just-in-time construction methodology is not identical to on-demand staffing, there are similarities between the two.
Both just-in-time construction and on-demand staffing seek to optimize efficiency by reducing the amount of time and resources that are wasted waiting for materials or workers to be delivered.
On-demand staffing is a staffing model in which workers are hired as needed, on an as-needed basis. This type of staffing can help to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Like just-in-time construction, on-demand staffing can help to reduce the amount of time that is spent coordinating deliveries between different parties.
In addition, on-demand staffing can help to improve communication by ensuring that all parties have the most up-to-date information about the status of the project.
The Benefits Of Just-In-Time Construction
There are many benefits to using just-in-time construction methods, including:
- Reduced project costs: One of the benefits of JIT construction is that it can help to reduce the overall cost of a construction project. By eliminating the need to store materials on-site, JIT construction can help to save on the cost of renting or leasing space for storage. In addition, JIT construction can help to reduce the cost of labor by minimizing the amount of time that workers spend waiting for materials to be delivered.
- Increased project efficiency: JIT construction can help to increase the overall efficiency of a construction project by reducing the amount of time that is wasted waiting for materials to arrive on-site. In addition, JIT construction can help to reduce the amount of time that is spent on tasks that are not productive, such as searching for misplaced materials.
- Improved project quality: JIT construction can also help to improve the overall quality of a construction project by ensuring that materials are used in a timely manner and are not damaged or spoiled by sitting in storage for too long. In addition, JIT construction can help to ensure that workers have the supplies they need on-hand, which can help to reduce the likelihood of mistakes being made.
- Enhanced safety: JIT construction can also help to enhance safety on a construction site by reducing the amount of time that workers spend handling materials. In addition, JIT construction can help to reduce the number of trips that workers take to and from the storage area, which can help to reduce the risk of accidents.
- Increased customer satisfaction: JIT construction can also help to increase customer satisfaction by ensuring that projects are completed in a timely manner. In addition, JIT construction can help to ensure that projects are completed according to the specifications and expectations of the customer.
- Greater flexibility: Just-in-time construction methods offer more flexibility to adjust to changes in the project scope or schedule. For example, if a project is delayed, JIT construction can help to ensure that materials are not delivered until they are needed. This can help to avoid the need for storage space and the associated costs.
- Improved communication: JIT construction can also help to improve communication between the different parties involved in a construction project. By eliminating the need for storage space, JIT construction can help to reduce the amount of time that is spent coordinating deliveries between the different parties. In addition, JIT construction can help to improve communication by ensuring that all parties have the most up-to-date information about the status of the project.
- Reduced environmental impact: JIT construction can also help to reduce the environmental impact of a construction project. By eliminating the need for storage space, JIT construction can help to reduce the amount of land that is required for a project. In addition, JIT construction can help to reduce the amount of energy that is required to transport materials to and from the construction site.
Just in time construction minimizes inventory and movement by moving materials just in time to job sites. By avoiding extra trips and unnecessary inventories, less waste is generated in just in time construction. Construction waste can be eliminated with prefabricated materials. These prefabricated materials are delivered just in time for assembly. Combined with lean construction techniques, prefabricated materials reduce waste on the job site. Just in time construction eliminates waste in manufacturing processes and can cut labor costs.
Just-in-time construction is a beneficial approach for both contractors and clients alike. If you are considering a construction project, be sure to ask your contractor if they utilize just-in-time methods.
Who Pioneered The Just-In-Time Method?
Lean manufacturing techniques have become popular in the United States, but it was post-war Japan that pioneered the just in time method. JIT has been used since the early 1970s in the Japanese manufacturing industry. It was initially created and tested within Toyota’s factories by Taiichi Ohno as a method to satisfy consumer demands in the shortest amount of time feasible.
In the aftermath of the war, Japan needed to find ways to streamline production. This approach allowed them to drastically cut their lead times from weeks to days.
The Impact Of JIT On The Construction Industry
By implementing a production system based on mass production, the construction industry could undergo a radical transformation. JIT techniques would enable the construction industry to increase productivity, while simultaneously reducing costs and waste.
In order to implement JIT in construction, the industry would need to adopt new methods of production. Prefabrication and modular construction are two methods that have been successfully used in other industries and could be adapted for use in the construction industry.
Prefabrication involves manufacturing components of a structure in a factory setting, before transporting them to the job site for assembly. This approach can help to reduce waste, as well as the amount of time and labor required to complete a project.
Modular construction is another method that has been successfully used in other industries. In modular construction, a structure is built in modules or sections in a factory setting, before being transported to the job site for assembly. This approach can help to reduce waste, as well as the amount of time and labor required to complete a project.
The construction industry has been slow to adopt new methods of production, but JIT techniques hold great promise for the future. If the industry can embrace prefabrication and modular construction, it could see a dramatic increase in productivity, while simultaneously reducing costs and waste.
The Future Of JIT In The Construction Industry
Just-in-time methods are likely to become more popular in the construction industry as contractors seek ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. Just-in-time construction can help make a significant impact on the economy. In addition, JIT techniques can help to improve the environment by reducing waste. As the construction industry looks to the future, just-in-time methods are likely to play a major role in the way that buildings are constructed.
Final Thoughts
Just-in-time construction and on-demand staffing are two methods that have been developed in response to the changing workforce. Both of these methods seek to optimize efficiency by reducing the amount of time and resources that are wasted waiting for materials or workers to be delivered. On-demand staffing is a staffing model in which workers are hired as needed, on an as-needed basis. This type of staffing can help to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
The similarities between just-in-time construction and on-demand staffing make them ideal solutions for businesses looking to be efficient with their workforce.
When your business relies on a hardworking, skilled, safe, and qualified workforce, look no further than MGR Workforce. You need workers with the right skillset to get the job done.
Our workers are trained and ready to be deployed on-demand. We can quickly put together a team for your project, whether it’s local or across North America. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
