Lean defines waste (muda) as any activity that consumes resources without creating value for the customer. Here are five you can spot today.
1. Overproduction
Making more, or earlier, than the next process needs ties up cash and hides other problems.
2. Waiting
Operators or machines idle because material, information or a previous step isn't ready.
3. Excess Inventory
Raw material, WIP and finished goods beyond what's needed to meet demand.
4. Unnecessary Motion
Reaching, walking and searching because tools and parts aren't where they should be.
5. Defects
Rework and scrap are the most expensive waste — they consume material, time and capacity twice.
Walk your floor with these five in mind and you'll quickly build a list of improvement opportunities. Need a structured approach? Talk to us.
