ESI Group is using the Takt planning solution on a 250,000 sq. ft. design/build greenfield project for a Midwest beef packer. Takt creates what-if scenarios and maps them in a quick and efficient manner for the project plan. This helps to provide a resource standpoint for each aspect of the project and allows for flexible updating, explains Denise Peters, assistant project manager for ESI Group USA.
This system has proven particularly useful for incorporating safety into this design. ESI has been tasked with incorporating state-of-the-art hygienic air units to keep interior and exterior air quality to the safest industry standards. And employee separation considerations have resulted in sanitation stations and socially distanced welfare areas. The new facility will also incorporate more efficient process equipment and will harvest and process up to 1,200 heads per day.
“Takt is helpful as we plan for the manpower and process activities at any given time and space,” Peters explains. “And, it offers a granular view on all project areas and gives us the ability to move phases and activities quickly to see how all areas are affected by changes.”
She adds that Takt is also a great team-building exercise in that it gets all trade partners involved to validate that work durations and schedules are correct. “Having all partners involved minimizes roadblocks during the project.”
Peters says that the traditional critical path method (CPM) of construction does not allow for this type of granular planning. They explain that, with CPM, the project manager generates the draft and sends it out for bidding, but there isn’t review with everyone at the same time and no consensus to ensure something isn’t missed or considered.
“Today’s construction market is challenging and competitive and requires upfront work and a good team,” she concludes. “Continuous improvement allows us to become more efficient and become better business partners for our clients, trade partners, and co-workers.”
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