What is a key feature of Lean principles?

A key feature of Lean principles is the focus on minimizing waste. Lean methodology is fundamentally concerned with creating more value with fewer resources by eliminating non-value-adding activities, which are considered waste. This approach encompasses various types of waste, including excess inventory, unnecessary motion, and overproduction, among others. By highlighting waste reduction, Lean principles aim to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and enhance overall productivity within organizations.

In contrast, aspects such as rapid market entry or maximizing product variety can sometimes contradict Lean principles since they may introduce complexities that lead to increased waste. Similarly, increasing workforce size does not necessarily contribute to the Lean philosophy, which advocates for optimizing processes rather than expanding resources.