Lean Construction: Sustainable Construction
We have seen the future — and it’s really well organized
Due to the combination of construction’s growth and the resource constraints that the world is facing, sustainability will be a major force shaping the industry in years to come. Construction companies are now looking towards heavy duty storage solutions to drive efficiency, organization and productivity.
 |
| There are numerous ways to pursue the elimination of waste, but one of the quickest and easiest ways to start the process is to update your facility’s storage capabilities. |
“Leading companies are tackling these challenges now,” says Professor Steve Evans, director of the UK’s National Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council’s Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Industrial Sustainability. “They are seeking to deliver aggressive efficiency programs, while actively seeking innovative new models that are more resilient, competitive and fit for purpose in this resource-
constrained future.”
In order to remain relevant amid tightened margins and increased market competition, performing at optimal efficiency is critical to ensure the livelihood of the construction business. To help maintain the highest levels of organization and productivity, Vidmar provides Lean and 5S storage solutions to maximize storage organization. The products minimize unnecessary workplace waste, increase work capacity and decrease operational costs.
The fundamental aspect of Lean construction involves the identification and elimination of waste.
 |
| Vidmar mobile workbench cabinets are designed to increase efficiency and reduce the amount of time it takes to locate parts. Custom foam inserts, plastic bins and dividers allow for optimal organization and maximized service. |
“We think of waste in terms of ‘what our customers would NOT be willing to pay for,’” says William Arnold, Vidmar manager of manufacturing engineering and
productivity.
“What our customers ARE willing to pay for is the transformation of raw materials into the products they want. In the strictest of terms, indirect or activities not directly related to converting materials into finished products is waste and needs to be minimized or eliminated.”
Throughout the workflow process, there are different types of wastes, known as “The Seven Wastes;”
- Over production
- Inventory
- Transport
- Processing
- Operator motion
- Idle time
- Bad quality
“There are so many waste forms that contribute to overhead that it ends up becoming the largest contributor to cost. Over the years we’ve successfully improved material utilization and reduced direct labor, which has been effective, but the single largest contributor to total cost remains overhead,” Arnold says. “Waste needs to be sought out and eliminated on a continuing basis. It’s a never-ending quest.”
There are numerous avenues to pursue the elimination of waste, but one of the quickest and easiest ways to start the process is to update your facility’s storage capabilities. Because Vidmar products are designed and engineered to meet Lean standards, Vidmar storage systems not only provide superior storage conditions but also enhance the way work tasks are performed, thus eliminating waste.
Inventory is a key pillar of “The Seven Wastes,” and it’s no coincidence that Vidmar is grounded in inventory organization. While technology is ever-evolving, certain products, elements and ideas have withstood the test of time by producing value-saving storage space. For over 40 years, Vidmar has been an industry leader in the development of the modular storage cabinet market.
Modular storage cabinets are the first step to making your storage more efficient. Two cabinets can store the entire contents of five units of standard shelving which means doubled storage capacity and additional space for more productive and profitable uses.
With conventional shelving, over half of your retrieval time is spent just getting to and finding inventory. With proper storage, everything is consolidated so there is less walking around. Stored parts are always within easy reach and full view. This means fast, effortless retrieval. By optimizing your storage, your facility will naturally follow suit.
Vidmar Modular Drawer Cabinets protect and control inventory by creating unique, identifiable locations for specific products. With complete organization they help to speed up restocking and control overstocking.
“Our cabinets are a viable means of providing storage density, security and organization, which ultimately improves efficiency in the storing and retrieval of inventory,” Arnold states.
 |
| Vidmar 5S cabinets feature pegboard inserts which help to increase organization, decrease tool retrieval times and keep all tools within sight. |
The Vidmar 5S Cabinet is also an ideal solution for construction businesses working on these Lean-related programs. Vidmar 5S cabinets feature pegboard inserts which help to increase organization, decrease tool retrieval times and keep all tools within sight. Each 5S cabinet can also be customized with varying widths, heights, inserts, doors, shelving and more.
Creating standardization in the workplace will get you one step closer to Lean principles. Vidmar can assist you in designing the right process and integrating your resources and components into a coherent, efficient and buildable system. The journey to implementing Lean standards is just that—a journey. The process may be painstaking, but the results are worth the effort. CS
William K. Arnold, Jr., is manager of manufacturing engineering and productivity for STANLEY Storage & Workspace Systems. Learn more at www.vidmar.com.
CONTRACTOR SUPPLY MAGAZINE
The October/November 2024 of Contractor Supply magazine is here!
Our cover story, A Rewarding Passion - Dale Hahs II, third-generation of Denver's AIS Industrial & Construction Supply, is STAFDA's incoming 2025 president.
A Special STAFDA section featuring a welcome address, an agenda, session previewss by presenters and much more. Also in this issue are our Industry Updates on: Lifting, Moving and Material Handling; Lasers, Levels and Measurement; Hand Tools; Cordless Power Tools; Drill Bits and Cutting Tools; and Toolboxes, Bags and Belts.
This digital edition, sponsored by BECK AMERICA Inc., is fully searchable and contains live links to every advertiser and new product listing. Click away!
| Read the Articles Read the Digital Edition |
