What is Lean Methodology?
Lean methodology is a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste in business processes, with the goal of creating value for customers while minimizing waste. It is an approach to management that originated in manufacturing and was later applied to other industries.
The main principles of lean methodology are:
1. Identify value: Understand what the customer values and focus on creating value by delivering products and services that meet those needs.
2. Map the value stream: Understand the flow of work from the perspective of the customer, and identify the steps that add value and those that do not.
3. Create flow: Eliminate bottlenecks and obstacles that prevent the smooth flow of work, and optimize the process to make it as efficient as possible.
4. Establish pull: Implement a pull system where work is pulled through the process only when it is needed, rather than being pushed through the process.
5. Pursue perfection: Continuously improve the process and eliminate waste, with the goal of achieving perfection.
Lean methodology is based on the idea that waste can be eliminated by identifying and eliminating non-value-adding activities, and that value can be increased by creating a smooth flow of work. Lean methodology is commonly used in manufacturing and operations, but it can also be applied to other industries such as healthcare, education, and government.
Lean Six Sigma is another methodology that is based on the principles of Lean methodology but also uses Six Sigma tools for quality control. It is a data-driven approach to process improvement that uses a combination of statistical analysis and Lean tools to improve the quality of products and services while reducing waste.