In order to set the groundwork for this paper, let’s begin with the definition of Lean, as developed by the
National Institute of Standards and Technology Manufacturing Extension Partnership’s Lean Network:
“A systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste through continuous improvement,
flowing the product at the pull of the customer in pursuit of perfection.”
Keep in mind that Lean applies to the entire organization. Although individual components or building blocks of
Lean may be tactical and narrowly focused, we can only achieve maximum effectiveness by using them together
and applying them cross-functionally through the system.