An Examination of IGLC Takt Literature - Learnings & Opportunities

Takt is gaining attention in the Lean Construction (LC) community and is recognised as an enabler for continuous improvement and a more complete implementation of LC. Adopting Takt from its manufacturing roots to construction has not been straight forward. International Group for Lean Construction (IGLC) research has adapted Takt principles and practices creating several models for its application in construction. This study is an integrative literature review of papers in the IGLC index with ‘ Takt ’ in the title. Forty-eight papers were critically analysed, and key findings were themed by content analysis. Findings show increasing interest in Takt studies since 2012 with Finland, Germany, US, and Norway respectively producing most papers. Takt has evolved from early application of Toyota Production System concepts and, with the addition of production and LC theory, has developed towards a more complete production planning and control framework with the potential to stabilise construction inputs, outputs, customer value, and quality. Takt research is beginning to impact project delivery with positive results witnessed as well as numerous challenges and improvement opportunities being identified. It is now recognised as a viable and proven production system that can initiate systemic improvement in construction delivery. The research suggests every project should consider Takt from the outset in its high-level strategic planning and continue to assess where several sub Takt-plans can contribute to the execution of the project, assisted by LPS and the broader suite of LC techniques.