The idea behind lean production stems from Japan where for many years supply chain managers have been seeking to eliminate ‘muda’ ie any activity which involves wasted effort, materials and time. Exel is particularly effective in ensuring lean production because it is able to reduce ‘muda’ at every stage in the supply chain from designing efficient warehousing systems, to sophisticated tracking methods in freight forwarding, developing e-commerce links, and cutting out any wasteful processes at any stage of distribution