ABSTRACT
Lean describes a way of thinking about and managing companies as an enterprise. There are literally hundreds of books that address Lean thinking and the Lean production system. Implementing Lean principles within the context of systems thinking provides a foundation for businesses to eliminate waste and ultimately survive. Lean can provide extraordinary results if implemented properly, given time, and if the accounting method for Lean savings is revised. Lean is generally viewed as a somewhat risky alternative to the traditional whatever it takes to make the numbers philosophy. A Lean approach recognizes and manages the risk. The Lean philosophy is as follows: It is better to do what is “right for the process” than utilizing a return on investment approach. People create the product or service, drive innovation, and create systems and processes, and with leadership buy-in and accountability to ensure sustainment with this philosophy, employees will be committed to the organization as they learn and grow personally and professionally.
