- mistakes and defects that require rectification
- over-production of unwanted products (products for which there is no immediate requirement)
- in-process inventories (i.e. work-in-progress)
- processing steps that aren't actually needed
- unnecessary movements of people and goods
- waiting for equipment or up-stream processes
- poor design of goods and services
Lean Manufacturing and Just-in-Time Manufacturing involve the removal of all unnecessary costs. Waste elimination is translated into customer satisfaction (improved performance, quality, cost, delivery, etc).
For more information, please contact us.
References:
Bicheno, J., Cause and Effect JIT: The Essentials of Lean Manufacturing, 2nd Edition, PICSIE Books, Buckingham, England, 1994 (ISBN 0 9513829 5 0)
Womack, J.P. and Jones, D.T, Lean Thinking, Simon & Schuster, New York, USA, 1996 (ISBN 0-684-81035-2)