Abstract

"Lean" has been defined as a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste through continuous improvement. Lean focuses on value added flow of resources from the customer's point of view. To compete in today's economy a company must be as good as or better than its competitors. Lean's emphasis on the elimination of waste results in higher customer satisfaction, profitability, throughput, and efficiency. Good planning and implementation management are the keys to success with lean deployment, and senior managers must take an active role. Sustaining the lean process requires discipline, commitment, patience, and a willingness to take some risk. Since lean is a never-ending journey, there is always room for continuous improvement. Sidebar articles provide core concepts of lean, a brief history of lean and a description of ASQ's Advanced Manufacturing Interest Group, by Tony Manos.