ABSTRACT
The Dell Computer Company is a classic example of a company that embraces the lean-thinking concept. The aim of lean thinking is to find and eliminate the wasting of time, labour, materials and money in both categories. Any act or process in a business that a customer would balk at paying – or any process or act that can be eliminated without the customer noticing the difference – is often interpreted as having no value in lean thinking. Lean thinking contradicts a number of established production theories taught in business schools because it advocates making a shift from conventional 'batch and queue' production practices to a 'one-piece flow' system that produces products in a smooth, continuous stream based on customer demand. Lean thinking is based on several principles that must be thoroughly understood and agreed upon before work can begin. Despite much positive press, lean thinking has inherent weaknesses that must be prepared for.
