Lean Manufacturing

Lean manufacturing is a methodology focused on maximising customer value while eliminating waste — overproduction, waiting, defects, excess inventory and unnecessary motion. It underpins continuous improvement and pairs naturally with data-driven tools like OEE and predictive maintenance.

Originating from the Toyota Production System, lean targets the systematic removal of non-value-adding activity through tools like 5S, value-stream mapping and kaizen. Reliable equipment (via TPM and predictive maintenance) and accurate data (OEE, MES) are enablers of lean, since waste is hard to remove without visibility and stable processes.

Related terms

OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) · TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) · Six Sigma · Root Cause Analysis (RCA)

Where this applies

Implementing 5S workplace organisation · Running a value stream mapping exercise · Implementing a kanban pull system · Establishing a gemba walk programme · State of the Circular Economy in Manufacturing 2026