At EVOLVE, it is our goal to empower construction teams to be more effective. We have heard from our customers that they came to EVOLVE for a leaner solution for managing processes and they seek out our shop module to further lean principles in their prefabrication shops and bring paperless processes into their operations. This feedback made us think about where paperless prefab shop and lean principles overlap.

The intersection of a paperless environment and the implementation of lean principles in a prefabrication shop offers numerous benefits, aligning with the goals of efficiency, waste reduction, and continuous improvement. Key areas of overlap include the reduction of paper and information waste, adoption of visual management through digital dashboards, standardization of digital processes, utilization of data analysis for continuous improvement, digital organization supporting the 5S framework, real-time updates aligning with the pull system, collaboration platforms for multifunctional teams, streamlined workflows promoting continuous flow, and digital maintenance records for Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) in your shop. Integrating these approaches results in a more efficient, organized, and responsive prefabrication process, contributing to a leaner and more agile operation.

The Intersection of Paperless Prefab Shop and Lean Principles

The transition to a paperless environment and the implementation of lean principles in a prefabrication shop can overlap in several ways, as both initiatives aim to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall productivity. Here are some key areas where going paperless and lean principles intersect:

Reducing Waste
Paper Waste: Going paperless directly aligns with the lean principle of minimizing waste. Eliminating paper usage reduces the need for printing, filing, and storing physical documents, thereby reducing paper waste.

Information Waste: Lean principles emphasize the elimination of unnecessary activities and processes. Going paperless allows for better organization and accessibility of digital information, reducing the time and effort spent searching for and managing paperwork.

Visual Management
Digital Dashboards: Lean principles promote visual management to enhance transparency and communication. Going paperless often involves the use of digital dashboards or visual management tools to display key performance indicators, production schedules, and other relevant information in real-time.

Standardization
Digital Processes: Both going paperless and lean principles encourage the standardization of processes. Digitizing workflows allows for the establishment of standardized procedures, reducing variations and errors associated with manual or paper-based processes.

Continuous Improvement (Kaizen)
Data Analysis: Going paperless facilitates data collection and analysis. Lean principles emphasize continuous improvement through the analysis of data and the identification of opportunities for optimization. Digital data can be used to identify trends, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in the prefabrication process.

Workplace Organization (5S)
Digital Organization: The 5S framework of lean principles includes Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. Going paperless supports the "Set in Order" aspect by promoting digital organization, where files and documents are systematically stored and easily accessible, contributing to a clutter-free and efficient workspace.

Pull System
Real-time Updates: Going paperless often involves the use of digital tools like the EVOLVE Shop Module that provides real-time updates and information. This aligns with the pull system in lean, where work is initiated based on actual demand, ensuring that resources are used efficiently, and production is aligned with customer needs.

Multifunctional Teams
Collaboration Platforms: Going paperless encourages the use of collaboration platforms and digital communication tools. This supports the development of multifunctional teams by enabling seamless communication and information sharing among team members.

Continuous Flow
Streamlined Workflows: Going paperless allows for the creation of more streamlined and efficient workflows. This supports the lean principle of continuous flow, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted production process. This is another area where EVOLVE Shop meets prefabrication shop needs for creating simple workflows and catalogs of products. 

Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
Digital Maintenance Records: In a paperless environment, maintenance records for equipment and machinery can be managed digitally. This supports TPM practices by ensuring timely maintenance and minimizing downtime.

By integrating lean principles with the move towards a paperless environment, prefabrication shops can achieve a more efficient, organized, and responsive operation that aligns with the goals of waste reduction and continuous improvement. The combination of these approaches can contribute to a leaner and more agile prefabrication process. Prefabrication shops can count on EVOLVE Shop to meet them at the lean and paperless interaction with the solution to all your digitalization needs. Our platform ensures your BIM and field team can request items from your prefab shop, give a view of your shop operations to everyone involved. Expedite your prefab operations, reduce your waste, and improve your total production while supporting lean principles in your shop. 

See it in action!