Measurement of waste and productivity in relation to lean thinking

Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift, 2007

In the Swedish construction sector there have been debates concerning what can be done about the current low productivity and the high levels of wastes. During the last few years it has become more common to utilize principles from lean construction as a way to enhance the problems concerning the levels of productivity and waste. The aim of this paper is to do a literature review on measurement of waste and productivity. Terms waste and productivity will be compared and discussed in relation to lean construction. Furthermore this paper will highlight the use of lean philosophy to reduce waste and improve productivity in the Swedish construction industries. The study shows that the term ‘waste’ is more closely related to lean thinking than productivity is, but both terms are according to our analysis nonetheless important when striving for cost reductions. Furthermore there is a need of changing in the way of thinking in order to create a value added activities that can cut down production cost in the Swedish construction industries.