Abstract

FAZINGA, Wanessa Roberta  and  SAFFARO, Fernanda Aranha. Identification of the elements of standardized work in construction. Ambient. constr. [online]. 2012, vol.12, n.3, pp. 27-44. ISSN 1678-8621.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1678-86212012000300003.

Standardization is a management tool aimed at reducing variability in the production process. In the context of the Toyota Production System (TPS), Standardized Work (SW) is the way standardization is put into practice. This research study aims to propose specifications to create a standard for production processes in construction through an adaptation of the SW concept. A case study was carried out in a construction site, located in Londrina/PR, during the execution of the reinforced concrete structure. The elements of the SW could be detected in the construction context, however some adjustments were necessary, resulting in specifications that contain the three components of the standard proposed in the literature: goal, constraints and method. The definition of goals has proved to be valid for guiding the establishment of the method. The specifications related to the method were more comprehensive than those reported in TPS literature, including specifications concerned with the kit of resources for each work package and the way the kits should be moved and stored. By contrast, the standard operation routine was less detailed. It focused only on teamwork and not on individual routine throughout the day. Despite the peculiarities of the construction context, SW has proved to be a potentially effective tool for reducing variability in the production process.

Keywords : Standard; Standardization; Standardized work.