Proof of Productivity: The Clear Flow Matrix
WSA verifies effectiveness of the takt construction schedule
When it comes to measuring the effectiveness of the takt construction schedule, the industry standard for excellence revolves largely around the work sampling analysis (WSA) report. Why? Simply stated, this evaluation measures efficiency by directly observing how lean construction workers are spending their time on job sites. For those of you asking how we could possibly quantify that, the answer is simple: photographic data.
In a nutshell, data is collected by walking through different locations on the takt production job sites and photographically documenting the output. How are the workers spending their time? Are they being productive? Or are they idle? The data is then catalogued into three main categories and subcategories, the most important one being productive/direct work because it’s the category most imperative to actually getting the job done. The categories are as follows:
- Productive work (direct work)
- Supportive work (transport, travel, and instruction)
- Idle time (personal and idle)
General descriptors were then added to each main and sub category, so it looks something like this:
Takt Production for Lean Construction
Research Validates the Takt Production Matrix
In 2018, research conducted by the University of Texas at Austin utilized the work sampling analysis to verify the productivity and effectiveness of the Clear Flow Matrix (CFM) – a production software that delivers a more proficient snapshot of the takt production schedule. CFM combines the terminology of lean construction, the timing of takt construction and the logic of CPM to provide a truly efficient snapshot of your takt production matrix.
The WSA was performed on three different projects where Clear Flow Matrix had been used, cataloguing almost 12,000 snapshots observations.
What’s the golden nugget here? As you can see, there is only a slight difference in direct work among all three project categories, indicating that the CFM has the same outcome for all different types of construction projects when it comes to the direct work necessary to get the job done.
Takt Production Matrix for the Win!
Direct Work Trend Analysis
And in other news, research conducted by Gong et al. in 2010 revealed yet another incredibly impressive result when it comes to direct work and the takt production matrix. Work sampling data of 123 different construction projects in Austin, Texas, revealed a direct work trend that seem to be decreasing by an average of 3.5% every 10 years from 1972-2008. The same variables were then applied to research conducted on the Clear Flow Matrix in 2017-2018. The outcomes showed a clear discrepancy in the direct work ratio dramatically favoring CFM.
As you can see on the far right, the results show a significantly higher efficiency for the Clear Flow Matrix, which has 51% of direct work, while the trend line for the industry standard predicts an average of 36% for 2018. This translates to a direct work ratio that is 44% higher for the CFM projects!
It’s All About Flow
Flow Efficiency for Lean Construction
Flow efficiency is another term worthy of mention here when it comes to deciphering the effectiveness of the takt production matrix. Flow efficiency relates to the capacity to streamline your productivity in a manner that results in optimum time proficiency. And higher direct work ratios, as we have shown, indicates better overall productivity due to the plain and simple fact that when trade workers are working productively, it improves the overall success rate of the job. Therefore, if value-producing time is measured most effectively by direct work, and throughput time is a reflection of the total amount of time required for the job, then work sampling outcomes can be considered a direct measure of overall flow efficiency. This can be demonstrated in the equation below:
Survey Says: The Solution is Clear
CFM for Optimum Takt Production
And finally, lets break it down with a direct work comparison as it relates to different projects. Direct work, again, being the most efficient use of time on any job. Drum roll please…
As you can see, the Clear Flow Matrix enables a much more efficient and consistent framework for direct work production, ultimately infusing any job with a time efficient success rate that is absolutely unparalleled in our industry today. Need we say more?
Interested? Visit us at the 2022 Lean Conference!
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