Lean Built

Author: Danny Jiménez⁩

What Is Pre-Construction Timeline Planning?

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

Mastering Pre-Construction Timeline Planning

What is preconstruction timeline planning—and why is it so critical? In this blog, we’ll break down the importance of managing multiple timelines during pre-construction to ensure your project stays on track and flows smoothly from start to finish.

You might have a solid production plan that outlines when construction should begin and how to maintain flow, but behind that plan are several critical timelines. Think switchgear, permanent power, internet access, long-lead material procurement, exterior finishes, elevators—the list goes on. Each of these elements must be tracked and managed with precision.

As Fred Strasser from Oakland Construction wisely put it, “Don’t fall asleep on that timeline.” Managing these components is truly an art form—an essential focus during the pre-construction phase.

Let’s dive into how we approached timeline management for our West Fillmore project in Buckeye, Arizona. Using Miro (although tools like Excel, Visio, Bluebeam, or even Microsoft Whiteboard also work), we visually mapped out every timeline—complete with team responsibilities, key phases, and critical dates.

On the left side of the board, we placed photos of those accountable for various tasks, and across the top, we charted time. This macro-phase Takt plan covered the civil phase, clubhouse foundations, and multiple buildings—shaping the structure of our production plan.

But here’s where many teams go wrong: they overlook the importance of managing timelines in this early phase. Owners, design teams, or even general contractors often fail to realize the value of trade partner input or early GC involvement in shaping and aligning timelines during pre-construction.

Let’s consider one key timeline: electrical distribution. We tracked the timeline for releasing switchgear—from the desired date to the last responsible moment. The coordination with APS (Arizona Public Service) was tightly synced to ensure we’d receive permanent power on schedule.

By tracking this visually, we knew when design details and approvals were needed, and we could proactively drive those deadlines with the design team. The result? We hit our release date and stayed on course.

And when APS announced a change in responsibilities—introducing a timeline shift—we quickly compared our original visuals with the updated projections. That gave us a real-time way to alert the owner and adjust accordingly. It became a navigational tool—a map and compass—so we weren’t just reacting, we were steering.

This is the essence of timeline planning: pairing your production plan with critical long-lead timelines, and never letting those timelines out of your sight.

Key Takeaway:

Successful pre-construction requires more than just a solid production plan—it demands proactive timeline planning for every critical element. By visualizing and managing these timelines early, teams can prevent delays, drive coordination, and keep the entire project on track from day one.-

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

How Do I Know I Have The Right Logistical Sequence?

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

How to Sequence Buildings with Site Utilities Using Week-by-Week Analysis

In this blog, I’m going to walk you through a real-world example where we were faced with a critical question: What building should go first in sequence with the site utilities? You’ll see how we made that determination using a structured method, including the key steps and tools that led us to a data-driven decision.

The Big Question: What Goes First?

Let me set the stage: this was our first project in a multi-phase development. We had garden-style, three-story walk-up multifamily buildings, a clubhouse, and a pool—all part of phase one. It seemed simple at first glance, but when it came down to determining which building to start with, things got complex fast.

Should we go Building 1 → 2 → 3? Or start elsewhere? And what about the clubhouse? All of this had to be planned around ongoing site work phasing in different directions. Verbal back-and-forth wasn’t cutting it. Even with my experience phasing much more complex sites, this stuff is still tough to visualize without the right tools.

The Solution: Week-by-Week Analysis

That’s where week-by-week analysis came in. Huge shout out to Luis, who spearheaded this effort. Here’s what he did:

  • Mapped out the site utilities on a plan.
  • Overlaid the plan with building locations.
  • Plugged the actual production plan into a Takt format below the visual.

The result? A clear time-by-location diagram showing exactly what would be happening each week across the site.

Breaking It Down:

Luis looked at the plan week by week—what’s happening on Week 1, 2, 3, all the way through Week 18. He added internal notes to indicate what he was analyzing and how each scenario would play out.

The visuals made it obvious:

  • Was Building 2 accessible in time?
  • Would Building 3 create conflicts?
  • How early could we get to the clubhouse?

This level of detail gave us the confidence to finalize the building sequence and integrate it directly into the bidding documents.

From Guesswork to Data-Driven Planning:

This process didn’t take days—it took a couple of hours. And it eliminated guesswork. The final logistics plan, including zone breakdowns and building sequence, was based on clear, visual analysis.

So, ask yourself: Is your project plan based on hard data or just intuition?

Why It Matters:

I’ve never seen a complex site—tight layout, basements, concrete-heavy projects—succeed without this kind of day-by-day or week-by-week mapping. The human brain just isn’t wired to visualize it all. You have to draw it out and validate it visually.

Key Takeaway:

When sequencing buildings around site utilities, don’t rely on guesswork—use a week-by-week visual analysis to make data-driven decisions that clarify access, avoid conflicts, and strengthen your production plan.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

Takt Introduction – Takt University Course – Video 1

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

Introduction to the Takt Production System: A Smarter Way to Build

Welcome to this blog where we introduce the Takt Production System—a revolutionary scheduling method designed to bring rhythm, consistency, and flow to construction projects. This approach, pioneered by LeanTakt, blends the best of lean tools, line-of-balance, Gantt, CPM, and location-based scheduling into a powerful, people-centered system.

We’ll walk you through the core concepts, how it all fits together, and how to start applying it on your projects.

What is the Takt Production System?

At its core, the Takt Production System maps out construction flow through zones using a time-location matrix. Time runs horizontally, while zones or value-receiving units are listed vertically. The result? A visual, one-page schedule that aligns all three types of construction flow:

  • Workflow.
  • Trade flow.
  • Zone flow.

This system isn’t just visual—it’s actionable. It stabilizes your project so you can optimize it. And most importantly, it allows for trade leveling, buffer creation, and seamless coordination with the Last Planner System.

The Orchestra Analogy:

Think of Takt like sheet music. Takt sets the rhythm, and your trades are the musicians. The general contractor is the conductor—ensuring everyone plays in sync. Trades can only be effective individually if they’re effective together, and it’s the GC’s job to harmonize the entire ensemble.

Takt’s Role in the Integrated Production Control System:

Takt isn’t a standalone method. It’s one of three core systems that form the Integrated Production Control System:

  1. First Planner System – Designs the project, aligning the team, culture, and supply chain.
  2. Takt Production System – Executes and simulates project flow on-site.
  3. Last Planner System – Enables collaborative, commitment-based weekly planning with trades.

Together, these systems work to bring your schedule to life.

Why Time by Location is Essential:

The time-location matrix is powerful because it reveals diagonal trade flow—a key sign of an optimized schedule. When trades move in consistent rhythms across zones, it’s the fastest and most efficient way to complete work.

This layout also helps spot bottlenecks. If one trade or zone is slowing things down, you can adjust, rezone, or rebalance your crews without crashing the schedule.

Types of Takt Plans:

There are two main types:

  • Single-Train Takt Plans: One crew flows through zones in sequence.
  • Multi-Train Takt Plans: Multiple crews move through zones at different rhythms. This focuses more on resource efficiency than standard rhythm.

Both are valid and depend on your project’s needs.

Production Laws at Play:

Takt aligns with key production laws:

  • Little’s Law: Smaller zone sizes = faster project completion.
  • Law of Variation: Consistency and rhythm reduce delays.
  • Law of Bottlenecks: Identify and address the most limiting factors.
  • Kingman’s Formula: Balances work time, variation, and productivity for optimal flow.

Why Rezoning Matters:

Rezoning (breaking larger zones into smaller ones) can drastically shorten project durations without reducing individual trade durations. This is a core application of Little’s Law and one of Takt’s major advantages over traditional scheduling.

Advanced Work Packaging Meets Takt:

Takt supports advanced work packaging by enabling reverse planning—from installation back to design. Instead of pushing trades to work faster, Takt helps redesign work packages for flow and efficiency.

The Push vs Flow Simulation:

We tested the difference between pushing and flowing using a construction game simulation. The takeaway?

  • Pushing (more labor, less planning) caused delays, roadblocks, and higher costs.
  • Flowing (more planning, consistent rhythms) led to faster completions, fewer issues, and lower costs.

Even when slowed down unrealistically, flowing outperformed pushing. More labor ≠ faster results. In fact, it often creates inefficiencies and burnout.

Why CPM Falls Short:

While CPM (Critical Path Method) has its place, it often leads to:

  • Increased work-in-progress (WIP).
  • Disobeying production laws.
  • Disrespecting the workforce.

Takt, on the other hand, promotes:

  • Respect for people.
  • Stability and flow.
  • Total team participation.
  • Continuous improvement.

CPM creates black-and-white plans with no visibility, no rhythm, and no room for improvement. Takt flips the script by designing systems that empower field teams.

Tools & Resources to Get Started:

To help you on your Takt journey, we’ve developed a full ecosystem of resources:

  • Takt Guidebook.
  • YouTube Training (search “Jason Schroeder” or “LeanTakt”).
  • Role-based Miro Boards.
  • Takt Production System Books.
  • Podcasts and Blog Posts.

Final Thoughts:

The Takt Production System is not just a scheduling method—it’s a movement. It’s a philosophy built on flow, respect, and rhythm. It’s how we build capacity without chaos. It’s how we get people home safe.

As Takt grows in popularity, we must protect its integrity. It should never become just another tool for profit without purpose. It’s a system for people, not against them.

So, if you’re ready to leave behind the outdated practices of pushing and embrace a flow-driven, people-focused construction future—welcome aboard. This is just the beginning.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

What Is The Last Planner System PPC?

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

Understanding Percent Plan Complete in the Last Planner System

What is Percent Plan Complete (PPC), and why does it matter in the Last Planner System?

In this blog, we’ll dive into how to measure your PPC, what it means when working with CPM or Takt, and the key performance indicators (KPIs) that can help your project team truly win. You’ll also see real examples from our book that will clarify concepts you may have never encountered before.

What is Percent Plan Complete?

PPC, also known as Percent of Promises Complete, is a metric used to track how many planned tasks were actually completed as promised. It’s calculated using a simple formula:

PPC = (Completed Activities ÷ Promised Activities) x 100

For example, if you planned 10 activities and completed 8, your PPC is 80%.

In the traditional CPM-based Last Planner System, you typically aim for a PPC above 80%. Hitting 100% might indicate you’re playing it too safe, a concept known as sandbagging. However, with Takt, your goal should be to consistently hit 100%, since production leveling and targets have already been optimized.

How PPC Works on the Jobsite:

Let’s say on January 16th, your daily plan had six promised tasks. If only five were completed, your PPC would be:

5 ÷ 6 = 83%

But it doesn’t stop at just tracking the number. It’s critical to understand why a task wasn’t completed. That’s where root cause analysis comes in.

Root Cause Analysis: Constraints vs. Roadblocks:

Every time a task isn’t completed, you need to ask: was it a constraint or a roadblock?

  • Constraints are system-level problems.
  • Roadblocks are physical or immediate issues in your way.

We provide a comprehensive list of both, backed by solid research, to help you diagnose problems effectively. Once identified, you can adjust your planning system, trade flow, zones, or site operations to avoid those issues in the future.

From Macro to Micro: Takt Planning in Action:

Starting at the macro level with your overall Takt plan, you drill down to the norm level and then to your look-ahead plan. This plan helps you remove roadblocks in advance and prepare activities to be “make ready.”

Your weekly work plan lives within this structure. It identifies task handoffs and sets the stage for measuring PPC at the daily level. By the time you get to your day plan, it should be mostly free of constraints and roadblocks.

Improving PPC Through Daily Review:

When you review the daily plan and mark off what was completed, you not only get your PPC percentage—you also pinpoint specific missed tasks and analyze what caused the variance.

If two tasks were missed, ask:

  • What happened?
  • Was it a constraint or a roadblock?
  • What can we change in the system to prevent this next time?

This constant feedback loop improves your workflow and supports lean construction principles.

Beyond PPC: Other KPIs You Can Track:

While PPC is important, it’s just one of four KPIs we recommend tracking in the Takt Production System:

  1. Perfect Handoff Percentage – How often you hit the planned handoffs in your weekly work plan (target: 80%+).
  2. Remaining Buffer Ratio – Do you have enough time buffer to absorb delays?
  3. Roadblock Removal Average – On average, how many days before impact are roadblocks removed? The higher this number, the better.

These metrics together give a more complete picture of project health and flow efficiency.

Wrapping Up:

To summarize:

  • PPC measures the percentage of promised tasks completed.
  • For CPM-based systems, aim above 80%. For Takt, target 100%.
  • Always follow missed tasks with root cause analysis.
  • Identify whether the issue was a constraint (system problem) or a roadblock (immediate obstacle).
  • Use additional KPIs like handoff percentage and roadblock removal average to improve performance further.

Key Takeaway:

Percent Plan Complete (PPC) isn’t just a number—it’s a powerful indicator of reliability in your planning system. By tracking PPC and analyzing missed tasks through root cause analysis, you can uncover system weaknesses, eliminate recurring roadblocks, and drive consistent improvement in project performance.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

How To Manage A Construction Project In The Final Stretch

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

How to Manage a Construction Project in the Final Stretch

In this blog, we’re diving into the most exciting and often overlooked phase of a construction project—the final stretch. This is where things can either fall apart or come together beautifully. If you’re aiming to finish strong, this blog will walk you through the key milestones, risks, and tactics to ensure success.

Key Milestones to Watch:

As you close in on the end of your project, it’s crucial to stay focused. We’ve talked in earlier blogs about managing the 0%, 33%, and 66% phases—now it’s time for the final third. This is all about glide paths, not crash landings. You want smooth, predictable progress.

I used to map out a detailed calendar—what we called the “Yellow Brick Road”—with month-by-month visuals laminated and distributed to everyone on the team. It kept the mission clear and front of mind. The goal? No surprises at the end.

Use Tools That Fit Your Flow:

Whether you’re using V Planner, CPM tools, Smartsheet, or Touchplan, make sure you’re pull-planning from the end milestone (like substantial completion) backward. Work back from final sign-offs, punch lists, and testing to build out a sequence you can rely on—and make sure to include a buffer. Because trust me, something always goes sideways.

Testing and Commissioning: Your Two Critical Paths:

This is the meat of the final phase. You have two parallel paths to track meticulously:

  1. Testing & Inspections: This includes life safety, fire alarm and sprinklers, elevators, ADA, and egress routes. These systems must be signed off, and you need to begin early—because you’re already six weeks behind whether you know it or not.
  2. Commissioning: Watch how all the systems—mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and controls—converge at the air handlers. Permanent power, controls, equipment, and communications must all come together to enable a successful test and balance, pre-functional checklists, and full functional performance testing.

Do a Full Material Audit:

Don’t wait until you’re out of mullion caps or metal panels. Project engineers should conduct a full material audit before the final rush. Missing one component can hold up the whole show.

Start Closeout Early:

Yes, even before you think you’re ready. Transmit attic stock, collect submittals, reconcile change orders—start the process now, or you’ll pay for it later with your weekends and family time.

Design Your Exit Strategy:

The site itself needs to be planned just as thoroughly as the building. Design zones for access, hoist removal, and site release. This isn’t just logistics—it’s choreography. Treat it like an art form.

Final Clean: Your Psychological Cue:

The most underrated tip? Start final cleaning early. Not just to tidy up, but to mentally cue everyone that this is the home stretch. It shifts the energy on site. I’ll pay for two or three cleans if that’s what it takes to get people in “wrap it up” mode.

Wrap-Up:

If you’ve been building quality throughout and finishing as you go, this final stretch should feel rewarding, not stressful. Finish strong. Build right. And enjoy the best part of the project lifecycle.

Key Takeaway:

Finishing a construction project strong isn’t about sprinting at the end—it’s about planning your testing, commissioning, material audits, and closeout from day one of the final phase. The smartest superintendents track every detail and start six weeks earlier than they think they need to.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

How Do You Figure Out Coordinates?

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

How to Figure Out Coordinates on a Construction Site

Why do we so often find ourselves begging for coordinates at the start of a project—when we all know we need them? It’s frustrating, inefficient, and unnecessary. This blog is here to help you cut through the chaos and get your site layout process locked in from the very beginning.

Whether you’re a field engineer, surveyor, or builder, the concept is the same: you need a solid basis of bearings and accurate building coordinates to do your job right. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the exact process our team followed on a multifamily project and show you a clear method for obtaining and confirming coordinates using verified data.

Step 1: Understand the Basis of Bearings:

Your basis of bearings is the starting point. The civil engineering team typically includes this in the drawings using northing, easting, and elevation references. However, it’s critical not to rely solely on CAD files. Instead, back up this data with an RFI or confirmation from city records. In our case, we combined the CAD data with aerial maps and the topographic survey to cross-verify coordinates before submitting our RFI.

Step 2: Confirm Building Locations:

Once we had the basis of bearings, we needed to locate the buildings. Again, relying only on CAD files is a no-go. Instead, we created an exhibit with two gridline intersections per building, verified those against the basis of bearings, and submitted an official RFI to confirm accuracy. The surveyor responded with a formal deliverable—a coordinate system with labeled gridline intersections. That documentation can now be inserted into the drawing set.

Step 3: Establish Primary and Secondary Control:

With verified coordinates, we could then establish primary control points around the site. Think of these as your permanent external reference. Using the compass rule and traverse methods, we connected these control points to the basis of bearings and property corners, creating a full primary control network.

Then, inside the site, we set up secondary control: baselines and gridlines for each building. This internal control allows us to precisely lay out walls, columns, and other structural elements using working control lines.

The Key Principle:

At the end of the day, here’s what matters:

  • Your basis of bearings must match your building coordinates.
  • That alignment allows you to build a reliable primary control network.
  • From there, establish secondary control to manage layout within each building.
  • Finally, use working control to install components precisely where they belong.

Final Thoughts:

As a builder, I always want:

  1. Confirmed basis of bearings—verified through the city or official channels.
  2. An official deliverable—either a drawing sheet or an RFI with exact building coordinates.

Don’t wait until layout to figure this out. Start early in pre-construction. Engage your surveyor. Equip your field engineers. And be prepared with the tools and training to do it right.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

What Is The Last Planner System Day Plan?

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

What Is the Last Planner System Day Plan?

In this blog, I walk you through what a Day Plan is within the Last Planner System. You’ll see how it’s created, where it fits in your overall planning flow, and—most importantly—how to communicate it effectively to everyone on the project site.

Where is the Day Plan Created?

The Afternoon Foreman Huddle. That’s where the magic happens.

If you’re familiar with the Team Weekly Tactical and the Trade Partner Weekly Tactical, you know the importance of consistent flow. After those meetings set the long- and short-term context, the Foreman Huddle focuses on the next day. Planning for the next day must happen the day before, not in the morning when it’s too late to make adjustments.

Morning huddles often devolve into status updates (“I’m on Level 3, Area A with five guys…”), which aren’t useful. Everyone should already know where they’re working. The afternoon Foreman Huddle, on the other hand, is where you manage handoffs, remove remaining roadblocks, and finalize the plan.

What’s the Purpose of the Day Plan?

To fully plan the next day so foremen can run the site efficiently. You’re setting them up with clarity, resources, and coordination.

Here’s what happens:

  1. Collect Daily Reports – This keeps your data fresh. A field engineer can even review them in real-time during the meeting.
  2. Celebrate Wins – Always start with shout-outs to keep energy high.
  3. Review Progress – Use green check marks and red Xs to see what got done. Missed items need root-cause analysis: was it a constraint or a roadblock?

Constraints vs. Roadblocks:

  • Constraints are issues within the system (e.g., missing resources, poor zoning).
  • Roadblocks are things in the way (e.g., weather, inspections, equipment).

Foremen focus on removing roadblocks, while the project team should solve constraints.

Planning the Next Day:

This is where it gets exciting. You’ll create a visual Day Plan using tools like Canva that includes:

  • Overall plan.
  • Zone maps.
  • Production goals.
  • Logistics.
  • 3D models.
  • Permits.
  • Safety messages.
  • Staging & delivery info.
  • Weather forecast.

This graphic should be shared via a QR code on-site. That way, any foreman or crew member can access the plan digitally and stay aligned. Imagine how seamless your jobsite becomes when everyone can “see as a group, know as a group, and act as a group.”

Final Steps in the Huddle:

  • Review Remaining Roadblocks.
  • Coordinate Handoffs – Ensure each trade treats the next like a customer.
  • Finalize the Plan – Including permits and final logistics.

Many teams go a step further and link not just the Day Plan via QR code, but also the Weekly Work Plan, Look-Ahead Plan, Macro-Level Takt Plan, Safety Info, and more. This prepares you to communicate with clarity during the Morning Worker Huddle.

How the Last Planner System Connects:

Here’s the big picture:

  1. Macro-Level Takt Plan → Strategy.
  2. Norm-Level Production Plan → Buffers, zones, Takt time.
  3. Six-Week Look-Ahead Plan → Remove roadblocks.
  4. Weekly Work Plan → Basis for daily execution.
  5. Day Plan → Shared visually for action.

Final Thoughts:

If your team in the field can’t see the plan, they can’t act on it. Clear, shared visuals help them:

  • Understand where materials are going.
  • Track key info by zone.
  • Coordinate handoffs smoothly.

The Day Plan, created in the Afternoon Foreman Huddle and shared in the Morning Worker Huddle, is one of the most powerful tools I’ve ever used. And it works—everywhere we implement it.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

How To Manage A Construction Project During The Exterior And Interior Phase

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

Mastering Construction Phasing: How to Align Exterior and Interior Work

Managing the exterior and interior phases of a construction project is like orchestrating a dance. If done right, the movements are smooth, coordinated, and efficient. In this blog, we’ll walk through the key considerations and planning strategies that ensure both exterior and interior scopes align seamlessly throughout the life of your project.

Exterior and Interior: A Coordinated Dance

Think of exterior and interior phasing like two dancers moving in sync. You need the exterior sealed to protect sensitive interior work, and the interior must support commissioning efforts like temporary heating and cooling. Getting these two to “dance” together takes clear coordination.

Critical Intersections to Monitor:

There are three intersections that should always be on your radar:

  1. Perimeter Framing & Demising Walls: You can’t finish walls to the edge without perimeter framing in place.
  2. Weather-Sensitive Materials: Don’t start drywall or any other sensitive finishes until your building is sealed — substrate, air/vapor barrier, waterproofing, and windows must be substantially complete.
  3. Commissioning Requirements: Your commissioning team can’t proceed without a sealed building.

The Common Disconnect: Vertical vs. Horizontal Progress

Interior trades usually move floor by floor, while exterior crews often work in vertical segments. This can create a mismatch if not properly planned. For example, one side of your building might be completely open while interiors are moving forward. You must actively manage this phasing.

Comeback Areas:

On high-rises especially, you’ll find “comeback areas” where exterior work lags behind. These should never be a surprise. Trade partners need to know about them during bidding. These areas should be clearly identified in your plan.

Exterior Logistics Planning:

Not every section of your building will be built the same way. You might use scaffolding on one section, swing stages on another, and boom lifts somewhere else. Your logistics plan must answer: How are we going to build this? And more importantly: Is there enough space outside the building to support it?

Whether it’s curtain wall, masonry, or brick veneer—each has unique space and access requirements. Plan your scaffolding, swing stages, and boom lifts with intention.

Interior Logistics Must Fit Too:

Now layer in your interior logistics. How are materials moving up the building? Through a hoist? Great—but remember that hoist will eventually come down and leave infill work behind. Coordinate logistics so the hoist doesn’t interfere with exterior progress and vice versa.

Sealing the Building Should Be a Top Priority:

The primary goal of exterior work should be to seal the building. This enables temporary conditioning and protects finishes. Don’t delay sealing just to get cladding done at the ground level. Instead, seal all the way up to windows and barrier, then come back to do cladding later.

Advancing to HVAC and Commissioning:

Once sealed, move quickly to:

  • Electrical and communication rooms.
  • Vertical chases for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
  • Fire riser rooms and service entry points.

Why? Because you need to get HVAC online as soon as possible—not just for worker comfort, but for commissioning: testing, balancing, and verifying functionality.

Break It Down by Functional Areas:

One major mistake on billion-dollar projects? Running everything with one big team. Don’t do it.

Break your job into functional areas with dedicated teams. Assign assistant PMs, PEs, and assistant supers to run the interior and exterior separately. This keeps meetings focused, reduces batching, and helps people go home to their families without burnout.

If you get the sequencing and intersections right, coordinate both interior and exterior logistics, and break the project down into functional teams—you’ll be in a much better position to succeed.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

How To Manage A Construction Project During The Superstructure

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

How to Manage a Construction Project During the Superstructure Phase

Managing the superstructure phase of a construction project requires sharp focus, careful planning, and an experienced team. In this blog, I’m going to walk you through six key considerations that should be top of mind as your project begins to go vertical—whether you’re working with steel or concrete.

This phase is about more than just building upward—it’s about doing it efficiently, safely, and in a way that sets the rest of the project up for success. Let’s break it down:

  1. Hoisting:
    You can’t go vertical without a solid plan for hoisting. This includes your crane, buck hoist, material and labor hoists, and even the setup for your concrete pump—whether that’s direct access or a slick line system. If you can’t get your people and materials up the building efficiently, your productivity is at risk. Start with early design planning. You can never be too early in designing the foundation for the crane and hoist. Ensure you’ve mapped out the crane reach, foundation capacities, and pump locations.
  2. Fall Protection:
    Fall protection is non-negotiable. Your hoists, cranes, and pump access routes must be safely guarded. Every floor needs complete fall protection systems, and exterior work zones must include perimeter netting. Safety for both workers and the public is critical.
  3. Plumb, Level & Elevation Control:
    It’s shockingly easy for a building to grow narrower or wider as it rises floor by floor. To avoid misalignment, you must always reference level one when checking plumb and elevation. Don’t just go level-to-level with a laser; that’ll create cumulative errors. Use an automatic level, check every corner, and transfer elevations properly—ideally chained to a fixed point like a column or tower crane.
  4. Logistics: People & Materials:
    Getting workers and materials to the right location—at the right time—is essential. In high-rises, transporting workers can take time. Consider holding multiple huddles on different levels and provide upper-floor restrooms and break areas. Coordinate crane and hoist schedules daily to avoid delays and ensure smooth material delivery.
  5. Embeds & Anchor Bolts:
    You can’t afford to mess up here. Whether it’s a steel or concrete structure, embeds and anchor bolts must be in the correct locations. If they aren’t, you’ll delay curtain walls, canopies, rooftop structures, and more—and rack up costs. Maintain tight quality control and check every embed and bolt as you go.
  6. Tracking Releases & Finishing as You Go:
    Track when areas are ready for interiors or façade work. You typically need to release reshores before starting work on lower levels. But that doesn’t help if your site is still a mess. That’s why “finish as you go” is crucial. Clean floors. Patch columns. Scrape ceilings. Remove leftover materials. Don’t let your concrete or steel contractors leave a trail of chaos. A clean, finished structure enables seamless transitions into the next phases.

Final Thoughts:
Superstructure is the phase of hoisting. It’s also the phase where precision, logistics, and finishing habits make or break the project. If you manage these six areas well, you’ll not only stay on track—you’ll excel.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

What Is The Last Planner System Weekly Work Plan?

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

What Is the Last Planner System Weekly Work Plan?

Welcome! In this blog, I’ll walk you through what a Weekly Work Plan really looks like when formatted correctly. I’ll also explain how to develop one, how to use it effectively, and why it’s such a powerful tool for making commitments, focusing on handoffs, and tracking Percent Plan Complete (PPC).

You’re going to see actual examples that bring this concept to life—let’s dive in!

The Weekly Work Plan in the Last Planner System:

In this blog, I’ll be sharing insights directly from our book Takt Steering and Control. We’ll break down exactly what a Weekly Work Plan is, how it works, and how to use it to improve your projects. If that’s something you’re into, keep reading.

I’ve got pages 140 and 141 from the book right in front of me, and we’ll use them to guide this walkthrough.

So, What Is a Weekly Work Plan?

At its core, the Weekly Work Plan is a commitment-based planning tool. It takes the next week’s activities—pulled from the Look-Ahead Plan—and puts them into a visual, actionable format. Thanks to High Street Ventures, we’re using their format here as a great example.

The main purpose? To identify handoffs, enable commitment planning, and track daily production in every zone by every person.

Key Features of a Weekly Work Plan:

  • Visual Layout: Time is listed across the top, zones down the side.
  • Daily Production Visibility: You can walk the field with the plan in hand.
  • Handoff Management: Track when trades move from one zone to another.
  • Roadblock Identification: Mark and solve them collaboratively.
  • Legend and Zone Maps: Provide clarity and orientation for all team members.
  • Activity-Based Line Items: Each activity is listed on its own line for tracking and accountability.

Why Commitments Matter:

A Weekly Work Plan is about more than just tasks—it’s about promises and flow. Every trade partner knows:

  • What they’re doing.
  • Where they’re doing it.
  • When it needs to happen.
  • Who’s depending on them next.

If handoffs are happening on time—say, 80% or higher—you’ve got solid flow. And if there are more handoffs than assistant superintendents can check, you can delegate tracking to trusted trade partners with coordination during the Foreman huddle.

Takt Planning Integration:

We tie this into our macro-level Takt Plan, such as the one we used for the Honor Health Neuroscience Institute. Unlike a traditional critical path (just logic ties and durations), a path of critical flow includes:

  • Pull-planned sequences.
  • Trade flow.
  • Buffers.

From the macro plan, we slice into norm-level Takt Plans, which reflect real production targets. These plans feed directly into the Weekly Work Plan and the six-week Look-Ahead Plan.

Clearing Roadblocks Before They Happen:

When reviewing your Look-Ahead, ask the 17 “make-ready” questions. Any activities that don’t pass? They’re potential roadblocks. Solve those in the middle four weeks of the six-week window so that your Weekly Work Plan is clear and focused.

Remember, the Weekly Work Plan is not the place to clear roadblocks. It’s about confirming work is ready and tracking handoffs.

From Weekly Work Plan to Day Plan:

Once your Weekly Work Plan is locked in, you can break it down into Daily Plans, which include:

  • Day-specific agendas.
  • Notes on logistics.
  • Zone-specific updates.

These are shared with field crews to ensure everyone sees the same thing, understands the plan, and acts in unison.

Key Takeaway:

A well-executed Weekly Work Plan is the heartbeat of the Last Planner System—it turns look-ahead schedules into actionable commitments, ensures smooth trade handoffs, and keeps production flowing by making work ready and visible to the entire team.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go