Hixson and Lean: The Choosing By Advantages System

Hixson has been a practitioner of Lean-based methods and tools for several decades. One of the most recent additions to our toolkit is the Choosing By Advantages (CBA) decision-making system. Developed by Jim Suhr, and recognized by the Lean Construction Institute, CBA facilitates consensus-based, fact-based decisions and documents the decision-making process.  Because CBA is a decision-making system, it includes definitions, models, principles, and methods for all types of decisions – from the simplest to the most complex. Under the CBA system, decisions must be:

1. Based on the importance of advantages (beneficial differences) between alternatives.
2. Anchored to the relevant facts.

Hixson’s experience with CBA has been very positive since its implementation. We have found that CBA:

• Produces decisions that stick, with consensus from all stakeholders.
• Reduces the time spent on exploring options, minimizing rework, and minimize second guessing.
• Facilitates and simplifies the decision-making process.
• Documents the decision-making process.
• Accommodates both objective and subjective data: Facts and opinions both matter.

To learn more about CBA and how its use can improve decisions on your next project, contact Hixson today.