Takt Construction

Jason Schroeder & Kevin Rice

In this podcast Kevin & Jason explore the world of Lean Scheduling. Join us as we bring respect back to workers, stability to projects, and flow to construction scheduling.

  1. 13. Apr.

    Ep.116 - Visualizing Constraints on Your Takt Plan

    In this episode, Jason explains where constraints and roadblocks belong inside the Takt Production System and why getting that right makes the whole project more visual and more actionable. He shares the key distinction that constraints are system problems that should be identified and optimized by the end of the pull plan, while roadblocks are temporary issues that show up in the way of the train of trades as work progresses. Jason also introduces a powerful idea: if the Takt plan shows the system and the path of critical flow, then it should also visibly show the constraints that are limiting that system. What you'll learn in this episode: The difference between constraints and roadblocks in the Takt Production System. Why constraints should be identified and optimized during the pull plan. Why roadblocks belong on visual zone maps and in a roadblock log. Why constraints should be shown directly on the Takt plan. How this approach supports Theory of Constraints thinking and faster project flow. If your system is only as fast as its biggest constraint, are you making that constraint visible enough to improve it? If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg  · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

    4 Min.

  2. 10. Apr.

    Ep.115 - Grid and Layered Components in Takt

    In this episode, Jason breaks down two planning challenges that can throw off a Takt plan if you're not careful: grid components and layered components. He explains how zone transitions can create unbalanced work when components land right on a grid line, and why planners sometimes need to split, shift, or isolate work to keep production leveled. He also walks through how to handle layered systems in complex overhead spaces like hospitals, labs, and data centers by thinking in installation layers and cascading those activities across zones.  What you'll learn in this episode: What grid components are and why they can disrupt zone leveling. How to handle zone transition components without breaking flow. What layered components are in overhead coordination. How to sequence layered work across zones in a practical way. Why flexibility is still fully compatible with the Takt production system. When your zones don't balance perfectly, will you let the plan break down or adapt the system to keep the flow alive? If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

    8 Min.

  3. 3. März

    Ep.114 - Takt Planning As Trains & Cars & Trucks

    In this episode, Jason shares two breakthrough insights about Takt planning that will change how you see flow forever. Using the analogies of trains and freeways, he explains why some Takt scenarios appear to "slow down" when zones are adjusted and what's really acting as the governor in your system. He also clarifies the difference between wagon-based (single-train) Takt and task-based (multi-train) Takt, showing how both approaches create rhythm in different ways. If you've ever struggled to understand how Takt really works in the field, this episode will make it click. What you'll learn in this episode: What actually limits the speed of your train of trades. How standard space units and standard time units act as system "governors". Why rounding Takt time (like to one day) changes phase duration. The difference between wagon-based and task-based Takt planning. How the train analogy and the freeway analogy both explain flow. Why Takt is about rhythm not forcing everything into identical boxes. Are you trying to force every trade onto the same train or have you built the right freeway for flow? If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg  · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

    15 Min.

  4. 11. Feb.

    Ep.113 - How Takt Complies with Lean Core 3

    In this episode, Jason Schroeder dives into Lean Core #3: One Piece Process and Progress Flow, and explains how the TAKT Production System aligns perfectly with this principle. He discusses how TAKT helps in selecting the right batch size for work (based on work density), the limits of applying one-piece flow, and how it calculates optimal batch sizes through tools like Dr. Marco Binniger's TAKT formula. Jason explains how TAKT minimizes variation, analyzes in-zone cycle times, and ensures that work progresses smoothly by aligning materials, labor, and resources with the work in progress. What you'll learn in this episode: Why the TAKT Production System is the ideal method for selecting batch sizes based on work density. How One Piece Flow should be applied carefully, especially when there are limiting factors like shipment access. How TAKT calculates and optimizes batch sizes through formulas like Little's Law and Kingman's Formula. Why working in zones with TAKT supports aligned work in progress (WIP) and prevents overburden. How the Jidoka system can be used to stop the flow, solve problems, and ensure quality. How TAKT helps identify and resolve bottlenecks using the Theory of Constraints. Are you optimizing work flow by reducing batch sizes and focusing on one-piece flow, or are you creating inefficiencies by ignoring the limitations of your resources? If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg  · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

    7 Min.

  5. 4. Feb.

    Ep.112 - How Takt Complies with Lean Core 2

    In this episode, Jason Schroeder explains how Takt Planning fully aligns with Lean Core #2: Stability and Standardization. He walks through why chaos cannot be improved, how CPM creates constant variation, and why Takt's zone-based, time-based flow is the only way to achieve real stability on a construction project. By holding start dates, reducing overproduction, and creating clean, standardized work environments, Takt turns instability into a repeatable, improvable system.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why stability is impossible without flow and why Takt enables both. How holding start dates reduces variation and prevents overproduction. How Takt reduces waste, overburden, and unevenness through level flow. Why standardized zones enable first-run studies, leader standard work, and quality checks. Jidoka, buffers, and visible problems make continuous improvement possible.  If stability and standardization are missing on your project, is the issue really the people or the system you're using?  If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg  · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

    8 Min.

  6. 4. Feb.

    Ep.111 - How Takt Complies with Lean Core 1

    In this episode, Jason Schroeder explains how Takt fully complies with Lean Core 1: respect for people, nature, and resources. He walks through why Takt is a people-centered system that limits overburden, exposes problems visually, and replaces blame with system fixes, unlike CPM, which hides issues and punishes workers. Jason also connects Takt to Japanese Lean principles like hitozukuri (making people before making things), standard work, total participation, and finishing with pride and craftsmanship.  What you'll learn in this episode: Why Takt is the ultimate respect-for-people scheduling system. How Takt replaces blame with visible system improvement. How zones, buffers, and rhythm prevent overburden and chaos. Why CPM hides problems while Takt makes them solvable. How Lean principles like hitozukuri, monozukuri, and ikigai show up in real Takt execution.  If your scheduling system truly respected people, what would change tomorrow on your project? If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊). Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg  · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

    14 Min.

  7. 14.10.2025

    Ep.110 - JIT, w/ Kevin & Jason

    It's not about materials arriving on cue, it's about everything moving in rhythm. In this episode, Jason Schroeder and Kevin break down the second great pillar of the Toyota Production System: Just In Time. But as they reveal, this principle goes far beyond supply chains and delivery schedules, it's the heartbeat of flow. Through firsthand reflections from Toyota plants and lean pioneers, Jason and Kevin show how Just In Time is really about designing a perfectly balanced system where people, machines, and materials move in harmony, free of strain, waste, and interruption. From riveting stations built in the perfect "strike zone," to 50-ton die changes completed in under five minutes without power, to two operators working one machine in seamless rhythm, this episode captures what true flow looks like in motion. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Just In Time isn't about inventory, it's about stability and flow. How Japanese manufacturers design balance between humans and machines. The real definition of pull: Takt-based pull, not reactive production. How flow state eliminates bottlenecks, strain, and waiting. Why nothing in Japan is built without Takt time and why construction shouldn't be either. Jason and Kevin also reveal a simple truth learned on the trip: you can't have Just In Time without Takt. It's not speed, it's synchronization. And when teams find that rhythm, work stops being stressful and starts being beautifully predictable.     If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

    16 Min.

  8. 14.10.2025

    Ep.109 - Jidoka, w/ Kevin & Jason

    What if the smartest thing your team could do was stop? In this special episode of the Elevate Construction Podcast , Jason Schroeder and Kevin unpack one of the most misunderstood yet powerful principles of Lean: Jidoka "automation with a human touch." Fresh from their reflections in Japan, they trace this concept all the way back to Sakichi Toyota's original loom where a single broken thread would automatically stop the machine to prevent defects. That simple idea became one of the two foundational pillars of the Toyota Production System, right alongside Just in Time. But this episode isn't just history, it's transformation. Jason and Kevin reveal how Jidoka's Stop. Call. Wait. mindset can revolutionize construction culture. Instead of "go, go, go," imagine a jobsite where anyone at any level can stop work the moment they see variation or risk. No fear. No blame. Just precision, safety, and respect for people. In this episode, you'll discover: How Toyota designed "intelligent stopping" into its systems over a century ago. Why Stop. Call. Wait. creates psychological safety and eliminates rework. The shocking truth: Toyota averages 2,000 Andon pulls per day and celebrates every one. How construction can apply the same principle without slowing down production. Why leadership's reaction to an Andon call defines your culture more than any mission statement. Jason and Kevin break down real examples from Toyota's factory floors, powerful analogies from the field, and practical steps to bring Jidoka to your own teams, so quality isn't inspected in at the end, it's protected from the start.     If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode.  And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).   Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels: · Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg · LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt · LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured · LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

    17 Min.
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Info

In this podcast Kevin & Jason explore the world of Lean Scheduling. Join us as we bring respect back to workers, stability to projects, and flow to construction scheduling.

Informationen

  • Erstellt von
    Jason Schroeder & Kevin Rice
  • Jahre aktiv
    2022 - 2026
  • Folgen
    116
  • Bewertung
    Unbedenklich
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Sendungswebsite
    Takt Construction