Building with Purpose: 5 Best Practices for Construction Efficiency

By Devin Schumacher, Director of Field Operations 

I learned early on in my career that no two jobs are the same. Each site has its own challenges, crews, and moving parts. That said, the smoothest projects I’ve been part of all have one thing in common: a disciplined approach to how the work is planned, executed, and adjusted as it moves forward. 

At OTL, efficiency isn’t about rushing or cutting corners. It’s about creating a flow, lining up people, materials, and information so the job moves without starts and stops. My background in Lean Six Sigma has shown me that small improvements in process can have a big impact in the field. Here are five practices that make the difference.

1. Plan early and plan smart

A solid build starts well before we get boots on the ground. Defining scope, goals, and expectations early, along with logistics, sequencing, site access, and weather contingencies prevents rework later. The Six Sigma mindset here is simple: fix problems before they exist.

2. Make quality and safety part of the daily routine

We focus on building quality into every phase instead of only inspecting it at the end. The same goes for safety – a safe site is a productive site. Daily briefings, training, and a safety-first culture keep both people and schedules protected.

3. Standardize

Standardization reduces variation, one of the biggest drivers of waste in construction. Using consistent materials or methods for repeat tasks speeds up procurement and improves reliability. 

4. Keep communication tight

Flow depends on everyone having the same information at the same time. Centralized project management keeps owners, architects, sub-contractors, and suppliers aligned. On site, regular huddles with trade partners help us solve problems before they impact the schedule.

5. Schedule labor with intention

Scheduling is about sequencing work to avoid downtime and congestion. We coordinate tasks so crews can stay productive without trade stacking, and we use just-in-time delivery to keep materials moving without cluttering the site. 

Efficiency is a continuous improvement process. By combining field experience with proven Lean Six Sigma principles, we can deliver projects that finish strong, meet the client’s vision, and make the entire team proud of the work we put in place.