Clear Installation Information

For a contractor to maximize their labor productivity they need to start with clear information provided to the crews doing the actual installation.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
D. Brown Management
August 15, 2018 2 minute read
design field operations productivity project management virtual construction
Share

Good information is the first of the six pillars of productivity.  

Field Productivity: Clear information and installation details. Installation details should not be designed to be understood. They must be designed so they can not be misunderstood.

Good installation information means several things - how does your information rate?:  

  • Standardized where applicable so that there is minimal time spent trying to understand the information.  
  • So clear that it is nearly impossible to misunderstand. Think “Poka-Yoke” at the information level.  
  • No information that is not necessary for installation or relevant context. If a map of gas stations is required, don’t provide a map with all businesses on it. 
  • Provided in the right sequence at the right time to prevent stress from information overload or stress from not having enough time to prepare.  
  • Incorporating other information as applicable including potentially QC checklists, safety pre-task checklists, standard production targets or a material list. Don’t make someone have to correlate multiple items in the field if it can be done ahead of time.  
  • Provided in the most effective format(s) for the situation, including paper size(s) if applicable. There is not a perfect format just like there is not one perfect tool.  

Improve your information and you will improve your productivity.  

Workshop

This Series (24 of 60)
Lean Principle - Kaizen (Every Detail Matters) The Six Pillars of Task Productivity in the Field Clear Installation Information Problem-Resolution Cost Pyramid - Earlier is Always Better Using Checklists Effectively
Related Training
This Series (24 of 60)
Lean Principle - Kaizen (Every Detail Matters) The Six Pillars of Task Productivity in the Field Clear Installation Information Problem-Resolution Cost Pyramid - Earlier is Always Better Using Checklists Effectively
More from D. Brown Management
Leadership and Management of Details
Building a great contracting business requires the right balance of leadership and management. While it is possible to separate them the truth is that many of the top leaders are relentlessly disciplined managers.
Related Article
The Leadership Vibrancy Curve
Leaders must navigate (1) the stages of contractor growth, (2) the phases of management team development, and (3) the arc of their own career and life. Maintaining the right levels of leadership vibrancy leads to sustainable scaling and succession.
Related Article
Thriving with a Difficult Manager
In the ideal situation, everyone would have a great manager - both internally and externally. In the real world, we will all have to work for someone we consider a difficult manager. Learn to thrive in these situations.
Related Article