In Lean methodology, what is a primary focus of "waste"?

In Lean methodology, the primary focus on "waste" is directed towards identifying any activity that does not add value to the end product or service from the perspective of the customer. This principle is grounded in the belief that value is defined by the customer, and therefore, any steps in a process that do not contribute directly to the benefit or enhancement of the customer’s experience are considered wasteful.

By concentrating on eliminating these non-value-adding activities, organizations can streamline their operations, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. It shifts the focus toward enhancing processes that create value while systematically removing those that detract from it. This approach not only helps in improving product quality and delivery times but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

The other options are relevant concepts in Lean but do not encapsulate the primary focus of "waste." Activities that increase production efficiency are valued improvements, while excessive employee overtime and underutilization of resources are symptoms of potential waste but do not define it.