The LFB Philosophy
Understanding the deep strategic logic behind OptiSpace and why inside-out factory design creates superior manufacturing facilities.
Our Core Belief
The foundation of everything we do at OptiSpace
OptiSpace believes that factory buildings must be designed as seamless extensions of the production system, not as generic industrial boxes. Too often, the building constrains the process. We flip this dynamic. The LFB philosophy translates Lean thinking directly into architecture and layout, ensuring the physical asset works for the process, not against it.
The Core Principle: Inside‑Out Factory Design
LFB is our signature 'inside‑out' design philosophy. It necessitates starting with the value stream, flow, and ergonomics, and only then defining the building's grid, structure, and utility networks.
The Engine Before the Chassis
Imagine building a car by designing the chassis before you know what engine goes inside. That is how most factories are built—shell first, process second. LFB demands we understand the 'engine' of your factory—your process—before we ever draw the chassis.
The LFB Sequence
- Map product families, process sequences, and value streams first
- Balance workloads and takt time across operations to define space needs
- Optimize material movement, storage, and operator ergonomics
- Finally, translate this ideal flow into building grids, floor levels, and utility routing
Eliminating 'Mudas' (Waste) Structurally
LFB is built on the foundation of Lean thinking. Our philosophy focuses on structurally eliminating key factory wastes through permanent layout and architectural decisions.
Transportation Waste
Motion Waste
Waiting Waste
Excess Inventory Waste
How LFB Philosophy Differs from Conventional Architecture
Understanding the fundamental difference in approach
❌ Conventional Approach
- Starting Point: Building design and aesthetics
- Structure: Sees the factory as a building first, system second... Optimizes for form, facades, and standard spans
- Utilities: Planned around building layout and structural convenience
- Flexibility: Limited adaptability constrained by pre-defined structural decisions
- Material Flow: Treats material flow as an operational problem to be 'managed inside' the finished box
- Column Grid: Based on standard spans and structural convenience
- Result: Building constraints often fight against operational efficiency
✓ OptiSpace LFB Approach
- Starting Point: Production process, value streams, and product flow
- Structure: Sees the factory as a flow system first, building second... Optimizes for takt time, adjacency, and line‑of‑flow before facades
- Utilities: Uses structure, levels, and utilities as strategic levers to remove waste
- Flexibility: Built-in adaptability for automation, volume variation, and product mix changes
- Material Flow: Material flow and value streams drive all building design decisions
- Column Grid: Designed to support optimal equipment layout and future expansion
- Result: Building actively supports and enables operational excellence
The ROI: Preventing Hidden Costs
The cost of a building is paid once, but the cost of operating inside it is paid every day for decades. LFB decisions are made to minimize that daily cost, preventing locked-in inefficiencies that drain cash flow over the life of the asset.
Natural Light & Climate Control
LFB Prevention:
- Orient and proportion spaces for natural light and efficient air conditioning loads
- Right-sized HVAC zones based on actual production heat loads
- Strategic building orientation to minimize solar heat gain
- Reduced lifetime energy costs
Structural Alignment
LFB Prevention:
- Align column grids with equipment and flow requirements, not just structural convenience
- Floor load capacities designed for actual equipment weights
- Clear spans where material flow demands them
- Prevents costly structural workarounds later
Future Readiness
LFB Prevention:
- Reserve corridors and vertical volumes specifically for future automation paths
- Utility capacity and routing planned for expansion
- Modular zones that accommodate product mix changes
- Decades of structural feasibility preserved
The 20-Year Lock-In Effect
Once a factory is built, decisions about column spacing, floor levels, loading bays, and utility routing are nearly impossible to change without major renovation costs. LFB ensures these critical decisions are made correctly from the start, preventing hidden costs that drain profitability every single day for the life of the asset.
What the LFB Philosophy Means for You
Process Never Constrained
Your building will never constrain your process improvements. The physical infrastructure supports continuous improvement rather than limiting it.
Lean Culture in Concrete
Operational efficiency and Lean culture become embedded in the concrete, not just in SOPs. Good behaviors become structurally easier than bad ones.
Decades of Flexibility
Expansion, automation, and product mix changes remain structurally feasible for decades without costly demolition or major renovation.
See the LFB Philosophy in Action
Start with a complimentary LFB Pulse Check to discover how our process-first philosophy can transform your specific manufacturing situation.