Where To Get Started?

Once your Lean champion has been established and your organizational framework is complete, it can be hard to pick a project. Do not choose the biggest, hardest project. Rather, pick a small, manageable project in an area that the Lean champion is familiar with. Make sure that the endeavor has clear goals and is easily measurable.

Most Lean projects fall into one of nine categories. These categories should help jump-start some project ideas.

  • Change the work environment
  • Reduce or eliminate waste
  • Enhance relationships with customers, suppliers, or other third parties
  • Error-proof systems
  • Improve the focus on a product or service
  • Improve work flow
  • Manage time
  • Manage variation
  • Optimize inventory