LEAN PRACTICES
We construct our projects using innovative Lean-consistent tools, systems, and standards to safely deliver superior results even in the most challenging environments.
Our comprehensive portfolio of projects across industries and our concept-to-completion range of capabilities make us able to meet the needs of our customers. IPS Lean construction combines operational research and practical development in design and construction with an adaptation of Lean manufacturing principles and practices. Our approach to Lean construction brings together all stakeholders including the owner, architect, engineers, subcontractors, and suppliers. The project team not only delivers what the client wants, but they provide advice and help shape expectations throughout the project.
We embrace a Lean management approach, and a culture that emphasizes collaboration, reliability of scheduling, and high-value delivery while consuming the fewest resources. Beginning with pre-construction and continuing nonstop throughout all phases of a project, lean principles drive the efficient delivery of our services.
Our approach to Lean construction begins with an essential process framework for consistent delivery and predictable outcomes.
1. Understand
the value stream of all steps in the process used to create the end product.
2. Utilize
collaborative pull scheduling to provide customers what they want, when they request it.
3. Incorporate
planning and strategic vision to promote productivity and reduce construction time.
4. Maintain
schedule reliability and predictability.
5. Prefabricate
and modularize building systems to reduce workers in field.
6. Focus
on overall waste reduction of construction materials to reduce the environmental cost.
7. Decrease
stress for workers and management resulting from worker surplus.
8. Promote
worker accountability and reliability by accreditation.
9. Support
worker focus and eliminate risks to create a safer environment for everyone.
10. Boost
job satisfaction from higher performance commitment.
DELIVERY METHODS
We provide a variety of delivery methods designed to suit the needs of any project.
IPS offers several project delivery methods to keep projects on schedule and within budget, while ensuring all operational requirements are met safely. We bid work based on complete construction documents and choose subcontractors based on price and performance. Our estimating team devotes a significant amount of time with subcontractors to clarify specifications and quotes since our subcontractor relationships are critical to our success. Additionally, our strong financial position and robust processes allow us to pay contractors promptly.
Design-Assist
Design-assist is a delivery method in which owners invite subcontractors early in the process to greatly expedite design and reduce the project schedule's duration. IPS engineers develop performance criteria and determine system types using narratives and preliminary drawings. This grants the cost and constructability feedback loop a head start, and lets IPS collaborate in peer review roles for the remainder of the design process.
Design-Build
Known and used by owners and developers for its simplicity, design-build revolves entirely around the contractor, who oversees design and construction based on the developer's proposed budget. IPS acts as a trusted advisor for either party, provide energy modeling or LEED consulting to the contractor, or send the commissioning team to stand in for the owner and calibrate systems to oversee a project's completion. With an in-house architect, IPS acts as a single point of contact for the project at-hand, effectively minimizing risk and reducing the project's duration.
Design-Bid-Build
When a project must follow strict standards, full Design-Bid-Build is often the best approach. IPS’s construction team, architects, MEP engineers, and energy modelers design systems for the full functionality of a building. These designs, when finalized, are competitively bid against in a pool of several other designs for the project. IPS's architects and engineers stay with the project to answer questions and the like, however the project's construction falls over to the general contractor.
Public-Private Partnership (P3)
The P3 delivery method maximizes certainty and minimizes risks for the client throughout the project’s life-cycle. Costs, quality, and scheduling can be guaranteed from the planning stage to the operating life. IPS’s P3 practices offer valuable solutions to constraints on public resources and provide fiscal flexibility to government agencies. Between identifying new opportunities and delivering new facilities, this approach improves operational efficiency.
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) is a delivery model based on Lean construction principles that maximize a project's efficiency and cooperation between the owner, A/E, builders, trade contractors, facility managers, and end users. Functional IPD can be implemented in conjunction with typical delivery methods such as CM at-Risk or Design-Build.
Construction Management at-Risk
Our construction managers act as consultants for the project during the development and design phases, and as general contractors during the construction phase. IPS's Construction Managers at-Risk contract directly with multiple subcontractors while maintaining a single point of responsibility for the project's delivery.
Construction Management as Agent
In the Construction Management as Agent (CM Agency) delivery method, the architect and construction manager each act as the owner’s agent. Trade contracts are held by the owner rather than the construction manager, and the owner is responsible for procuring all trade contracts for the construction phase, which IPS CM can then coordinate with.
LICENSED CONTRACTOR
Engineering (A) & Building (B)
Whether you have a question about our services, projects, or pricing, our team is ready to answer all your questions.
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