ABSTRACT
The Muda can be found embedded in processes that are essential to service and regulatory functions. Those processes can be improved. In other instances, an entire process is muda. A scenario used in the Green Belt class is based on such a situation, so trainees can practice dealing with change management challenges that are common to Lean efforts in bureaucracies. The exercise is based on a process that should have been discontinued. A multi-agency team documented the current state of training, finding lots of non-standard rework, time, and travel expense. The lack of technical expertise in communication modes has a minor impact, compared with the impact on major IT projects to operate our enterprises. The first rule of any technology used in a business process is that automation applied to an efficient process will magnify the efficiency. Public sector organizations often fail to include an IT representative on Lean project teams.
