One of the aims of LeanCon is to avoid all types of squandering, e.g. waiting times and repair of defects. No work shall be carried out twice or unnecessarily. In Lean Management in the construction industry, the same "5 R Rule" applies as in lean automobile production: The right part in the right quality has to be at the right place at the right time and in the right quantity.

At the initial stage of the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) at HOCHTIEF, a cross-disciplinary team examined where and why defects occur. The team members worked on the four focal subjects of planning, work preparation, construction site/subcontractors and quality. The result: Defects often occur when work processes have not been prepared in sufficient detail. This is precisely the point where LeanCon wants to change things in the company.

Our improvement of process quality shifts the main focus on the entire value creation process. Processes on the construction site are structured in detail and stabilized. "Process quality" consequently also is synonymous with economic viability, product quality, deadline compliance as well as client and employee satisfaction.

Just-in-time supply also is an important element of Lean Construction. With the help of virtual visualization tools, it is possible to plan a smooth flow of work for the trades involved and ensure that the construction logistics arrangements–e.g. crane locations and transportation routes–do not clash with this work flow. Another element of work preparation is the standardization of time schedules and ensuring regular target/actual comparisons with regard to work progress.