8 Wastes Of Lean Manufacturing

The 8 Wastes of Lean Manufacturing are a set of guidelines that help to identify and eliminate waste from the production process. These wastes are classified into eight categories: overproduction, waiting, transport, inventory, motion, defects, over-processing, and underutilized people. By identifying and eliminating these wastes, companies can increase efficiency and reduce costs. Overproduction is when too much product is produced and not enough demand exists. Waiting is when workers are idle due to lack of materials or instructions. Transport is when materials are moved unnecessarily between processes. Inventory is when too much stock is held in warehouses or on the production line. Motion is when workers are making unnecessary movements while performing tasks. Defects are when products are not meeting quality standards. Over-processing is when more work is done than is necessary. Underutilized people are when employees are not being used to their full potential. By understanding and addressing these 8 Wastes of Lean Manufacturing, companies can create a more efficient and cost-effective production process.