Lean Manufacturing redesigns processes to remove lead time and waste:

• Thoroughly understands the current process to identify sources of waste
   and lost time
• Applies principles of Value, Flow, Pull, and Perfection to streamline the process
• Creates a breakthrough change in process efficiency and effectiveness

Lean Manufacturing fits best when:

• Waste or inefficiency exists within process
• Willing/able to assess the whole process
• The intended goals are to reduce inventory and/or time—work or wait time
• Willing to consider “radical” change

Lean Manufacturing Steps:

• Focus: agree upon the process scope to be considered; assemble
   stakeholders; understand customers
• Discover: identify sources of excess cycle time & inventory
   [remove variation if necessary using Six Sigma DMAIC or Action Forum]
• Streamline: improve efficiency
• Control: align “flow of value” with rate of customer demand and monitor