Levels of the Value Stream

For contractors to unlock maximum value during business development, preconstruction and project execution it is critical to understand the broader value stream of the project beyond their scope.

D. Brown Management Profile Picture
D. Brown Management
June 29, 2018 1 minute read
Share

Consider these 10 levels of granularity when looking at the construction value stream:

Critical Skills: Value Stream Levels. Seeing, Understanding, Doing, and Leading.

 

SPECIALTY CONTRACTOR

  1. Specific Trade Scope & Task (Field Installation Expertise)
  2. Functional Area of Specialty Contractor (Precon, Detailing, Prefab, etc.)
  3. Whole Specialty Contracting Business (Electrical, Mechanical, etc.)

PROJECT OWNER

  1. Construction Process (GC / CM Viewpoint)
  2. Design & Project Delivery Process
  3. Project Lifecycle (From Concept Through Initial Construction, Operation, Renovations & Decommissioning) 
  4. Corporate Facility Management (Interrelationships of Business Strategy & Multiple Project Lifecycles)

BEYOND

  1. City Planning (Redevelopment Vision, Supporting Infrastructure, etc.)
  2. Industry Trends (Example - Demographics Driving Healthcare Capacity Needs)
  3. Country & Multi-Industry Integration (Example - Growing Geographies, Integration of Housing & Healthcare)

 

What level of the value stream is your primary focus?

Deeply learn the value streams and build relationships 1 & 2 levels higher.  

What can you do to add maximum value considering the perspective from those higher levels?  

Focused Resources = Maximum Results
Contracting is a relatively low-margin and high-risk business. Contractors can’t afford to spread out their resources on projects or in their businesses. Leaders must put maximum resources behind their biggest bottlenecks or opportunities.
Related Article
Cash Flow Tip 8 - Subcontractor and Vendor Terms and Pay Schedules
As important as it is for you to have a great Schedule-of-Values (SOV) with your customer, it is equally important to have great terms with your subs and vendors.
Related Article
005 - Prioritization Basics for Construction Contractors
Resources are limited, but demands are endless. Success in construction means prioritizing resources. We cover prioritization basics, with exercises to align your team. Includes 3+ hours of examples and 40+ tools, books, and resources to keep you growing.
Related Article