Glossary · L
Lean Manufacturing
Improving production flow and reducing waste
What it means
Lean manufacturing focuses on delivering customer value while reducing waste, or muda, in production. Influenced by the Toyota Production System, it includes continuous improvement, better flow and attention to unnecessary movement, waiting, inventory and rework.
What it means for a business
A manufacturer can map how materials and work move through a process, identify delays and test changes to reduce them. Results should be measured against the plant’s own baseline. Sustainable improvement also depends on staff involvement and management practices.