There were many Lean “firsts” associated with the $28.5 million, 65,633 SF Oklahoma State University CEAT Undergraduate Laboratory, which provides students opportunities to learn basic engineering principles at a small scale.

For the first time:

• Trade partners attended a full day of Lean training leading to more engagement during planning meetings.
• Daily huddles prove to be effective for coordination and communication and are the No. 1 takeaway from our After-Action Review for the OSU CEAT team.
• The value of periodic team check-ins was validated. The practice increases accountability by offering a reoccurring forum for questions and tracking metrics associated with the Weekly Work Plan. Continuous check-ins from mobilization to closeout is now standard Lean2.0 practice.
• We learned that Conditions of Satisfaction, co-location and scheduling boards – elements that make up our signature 5+1 Lean2.0 approach – are fundamental to maximizing the potential of Lean, and that our teams respond better to internal v. external coaching.

Looking back, the OSU CEAT project will stand as another marker in our Flintco legacy of delivering value and quality construction – safely. It’s also where the seeds of Lean2.0 were first sown.