Unlocking Lean efficiency
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, efficiency isn’t just a buzzword – it’s the lifeblood of successful organizations. With competitors always a step away and customers demanding more for less, the pressure is intense. This section is not about painting a dire picture; it’s about illuminating the pathway forward with Lean efficiency. By the end of this section, you will have grasped foundational Lean practices that focus on delivering unmatched value through meticulously streamlined operations.
As we begin this discussion, looking at Lean concepts through the lens of systems thinking and in the context of improving flows is helpful. For example, look at Figure 3.1 and ask yourself which workflow represents the leanest workflow:
Figure 3.1 – Workflow comparisons
Workflow A has five activities and one decision point. Workflow B also has five activities but two decision points...