Question 172 - CSCP discussion

The implementation of major enterprise-wide changes to eliminate or significantly reduce waste is most closely related to the concept of Lean. Here's a detailed explanation:

Lean Definition: Lean is a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste (non-value-added activities) through continuous improvement by flowing the product at the demand of the customer.

Key Principles:

Value Identification: Understanding what value means from the customer's perspective.

Value Stream Mapping: Analyzing the flow of materials and information currently required to bring a product or service to the customer.

Flow Creation: Ensuring that the value-creating steps occur in a tight sequence so the product flows smoothly towards the customer.

Pull System: Producing only what is needed by the customer and in the quantities needed.

Perfection Pursuit: Continually striving to perfect the process by eliminating further waste.

Major Changes for Waste Elimination: Lean focuses on broad changes across the organization to minimize waste such as overproduction, waiting, transportation, over-processing, inventory, motion, and defects.

Lean Tools: Various tools and techniques are used in Lean such as 5S, Value Stream Mapping, Kaizen, and Kanban, but the overarching goal of Lean is to drive significant, enterprise-wide waste reduction and efficiency improvements.

Womack, J. P., & Jones, D. T. (1996). Lean Thinking: Banish Waste and Create Wealth in Your Corporation.

Liker, J. K. (2004). The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer.