Roadmap for Implementing Standardized Work in Construction Process with Takt Time Planning

Lack of predictability, high workforce turnover, and making-do are some of the factors that contribute to process variability in construction. Variability can disrupt workflow, negatively impacting the performance of production systems in terms of cost, duration, and project quality. Standardized Work (SW) is an approach from the Lean Production Philosophy that enhances process stability by establishing procedures that standardize each worker's tasks. However, despite its widespread application in the manufacturing industry, the full potential of this approach remains underutilized in construction. This paper presents the results of implementing SW in the concrete structure process of a residential project undertaken by a Chilean company. The study adapts the key elements of SW to the construction context and engages workers in defining a standard routine. Action research is the methodological approach adopted in this study. The results show that SW, along with interventions supporting continuous improvement, reduces operational variability, enhances workspace organization, and increases workers' self-management in meeting their goals. This approach improves the operational efficiency of construction projects and contributes to a broader understanding of effective strategies for managing process variability in construction.