3 Ways to Boost and Track Productivity in Underground Construction
Production is one of the hardest things to track and manage in any industry, and it’s especially so in underground construction. However, all is not lost. Use these three activities to simultaneously track and boost your productivity. You’ll save money and time while gaining support throughout the bidding process.
1. Institute a Damage Prevention Process.
It’s crucial to have an effective damage prevention process in place. You’ll keep your team safer, and you’ll benefit from a major increase in productivity. The trick is to prevent damage from occurring in the first place. It poses a risk to people, property and the surroundings of a site while also consuming significant amounts of time. When a utility damage occurs, production stops, and it can take anywhere from 2–8 hours to get back to work. While this may not appear to be a great deal of time, it’s the equivalent of thousands of dollars lost in productivity.
2. Set Project Goals.
Goal setting is one of the easiest ways to motivate your team. When a clear and concise goal is communicated, teams unconsciously have a finish line in sight. It also helps them navigate their daily tasks on their way to completing a project. An excellent way to implement this concept is to set project deadlines to occur sooner than you need them completed. For example, if a project should take three days, set your goal for two days and watch as productivity skyrockets.
3. Track Production on a Daily Basis.
It’s difficult to Monitor production for underground construction. Since so many factors are involved, there are a lot of different equations that can be used to see if you’re getting the most out of your labor and equipment. The best and easiest method we’ve found is called the Human Efficiency Factor or HEF. To calculate HEF, set your timer for 60 minutes and begin to time your workforce. Whenever they are not producing, stop the timer. Periods without work can include fueling, maintenance or any other types of construction delays. Now take that number and divide it by 60.
Example:
45/60= .75 or a 75% HEF
Repeat this calculation periodically to use it as a teaching tool for a more productive team.
With all of the elements involved in underground construction, it’s easy to get weighed down considering less important factors. Cut to the chase to save money and time with the most accurate, effective and results-driven methods in the business.
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