What is Takt scheduling?
Takt time is a method of construction and manufacturing that dates back to the 16th century, but that is now gaining strength with new digital and communication tools.
By implementing Takt time with Mestamaster in your worksite you can complete your project up to 20% faster compared with traditional construction methods.
What is takt scheduling?
Takt time, takt scheduling or simply Takt (from german Takt = rhythm) is a method of manufacturing and construction that aims to split an assembly or construction process into smaller, low variability tasks, and create a steady and predictable flow of work and output per individual unit. In construction a unit is generally a space (like an area or a room)
Takt is not a new construction method, dating back to as far as the 16th century with ship building techniques in Venice. Takt was and still is an integral part of the famous Toyota Production System (TPS), which is perhaps a foundational part of lean philosophies and lean construction. While common in the manufacturing world, takt scheduling started to grow in the construction industry between the 90s and the 00s.
How does Takt time work?
The idea behind takt time is simple. Instead of seeing a worksite as a single large unit, Takt time divides the worksite in smaller areas and focuses on completing a space as fast as possible, one at a time.
Specialised teams responsible for a single task will move along the worksite, preparing the space for the next team to come in, just like an assembly line.
All teams in the work site move forward at the same time, at the end of the takt period, which will be defined and unique to your project.
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Does takt time really work?
In short, yes. But you don't need to take our word for it. Here are some of the results published in academic journals and conferences that prove that, when applied correctly, takt time can have dramatic positive effects in a construction project outcome, productivity, and customer satisfaction
"These positive effects were supported by observations of improved utilization of site teams’ knowledge in planning, better commitment, communication, team-building process, and positive competition between teams. In addition, 23% duration savings were achieved in the production phase in which the framework was implemented"
Tarek Yassine et all. International Group for Lean Construction, IGLC 22
"Results show that the overall project duration after the mentioned amendments has become 54 days after being 105 days according to the current traditional working style, thus reducing the project duration by approximately 50%."
Marco Binninger et all. Conference: 26th Annual Conference of the International Group for Lean Construction
"The first half of the sales areas could be handed over in half of the previous total construction time. The retailers can thereby set up their shops significantly earlier than the previous case. Alternatively, this can be integrated into the Takt Plan used by the client to significantly reduce the amount
of time needed for finishing the circulation areas."
What are the success factors for implementing Takt?
Iterate your Takt plan
Iterating and adapting the takt plan before starting your project is a crucial step to ensure the success of your project. Successful projects will iterate their plan at least a few times after talking to all stakeholders
Processes on the worksite
It's one thing to have a plan, and another completely to put it into practice. Having efficient processes for communication of interruptions and impediments at the worksite is crucial.
Stakeholder communication
Involving all stakeholders and all contractors early in the plan is crucial to ensure correct estimations and commitment to the takt plan.
Takt control and monitoring
It's not enough to react to problems when they happen, it's important to look ahead and forecast possible issues. Proactive Takt control and monitoring will greatly improve your chances of success.
Mestamaster can help you!
We have seen many takt time projects, and we know where the pitfalls are. We have built our digital solution based on our experience to guide you around those obstacles.
You will also be able to access our knowledge and materials to train your team, implement efficient communication channels, and proactively monitor your project.