LEAN
The Lean methodology focuses on maximizing value by reducing waste and improving efficiency. It’s another method that came from Toyota and has expanded in popularity well beyond manufacturing.
Five core principles of lean The Lean methodology centers on five principles, outlined in the book The Machine that Changed the World and Lean Thinking.
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Understand value. Think about value from the customer’s perspective. What are they willing to pay?
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Identify the value stream. Use visual techniques to map out the actions required to develop and launch a product. Use this map to identify areas of waste.
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Create value flow. You can achieve this by eliminating waste due to things like excess inventory, time spent waiting, or performing more work than is necessary.
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Use a pull approach. Deliver value as the customer requests it. This keeps the focus on delivering what the customer actually wants while eliminating time spent on features that might not be wanted or needed.
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Continuously improve. Always be seeking perfection by assessing the project regularly for ways to reduce waste and enhance value.
When to use Lean:
The focus on waste elimination makes Lean a natural fit for more traditional manufacturing projects. But it can also be effective in other industries, particularly when you want to keep the focus of development on the customer first.