Lean focuses on adding value to the customer. Any activity or resource that does not contribute to adding value to the customer is considered waste and should be reviewed for elimination.

A lot of times when thinking of “lean” we think of manufacturing. What about lean offices? Doctor offices are a personal favorite, especially when the lobby has enough seats for 30 people in an office with 1 doctor. At the other extreme are theme parks that have entertainment monitors, music and refreshments stationed for guests standing in line.  Obviously one builds the hype and the other has me considering alternatives!

Wait is one of the 7 wastes.

Lean is a philosophy or way of life. Once you start practicing lean, be careful be careful. You will see a lot of opportunities to reduce waste and reduce costs or increase profit.

Thank goodness for smart phones. Now we just take the office with us and send email where ever we go!

What do you think?