What defines lean manufacturing?

Lean manufacturing is fundamentally defined as a systematic approach to minimizing waste while maintaining or enhancing productivity. This methodology emphasizes efficiency by identifying and eliminating non-value-added activities in the production process. The goal is to create more value for customers with fewer resources, which aligns closely with the principles of maximizing customer satisfaction while lowering costs.

In lean manufacturing, waste can take many forms, including excess inventory, overproduction, waiting times, transportation delays, unnecessary processes, defects, and excess motion. By systematically assessing and improving these areas, organizations can streamline operations, enhance quality, and reduce lead times.

The other options do not accurately reflect the principles of lean manufacturing. A production strategy focusing solely on maximum output regardless of costs does not consider efficiency or waste reduction. Requiring extensive labor resources contradicts lean principles that aim to optimize processes and minimize unnecessary labor. Lastly, a process focused on increasing product inventories runs counter to lean’s goal of reducing excess inventory, which is considered wasteful.