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Frequently asked questions about Lean

Answers to key Lean topics.

How does Lean appear in strategy work?

Lean thinking brings clarity, focus, and continuous action to strategy work. The most common model is Hoshin Kanri, where strategic goals are broken down into concrete actions and implemented throughout the entire organization. This model ensures that everyone works towards the same direction, the goals are measurable, and progress is regularly monitored, for example, through daily management and clear metrics. As a result, the strategy does not remain on paper but is reflected in everyday decisions and ways of working.

How does Lean take safety and the work environment into account?

In Lean, safety is inherently included in the development of every process. A key tool is 5S, which organizes the work environment to be clear, safe, and easy to maintain. 5S reduces trip and collision risks, clarifies material flows, and eliminates unnecessary movements. Safety is also supported by the Andon practice, where problems are highlighted immediately, and by Gemba walks, where management visits the workplace to identify disturbances and safety risks directly at the job site.

What kinds of problem-solving methods are used in Lean?

Lean is based on systematic and root cause-oriented problem solving. The most common methods are the A3 problem-solving method, which guides the team through a clear PDCA cycle, and the 5 Whys method, which helps identify the root cause behind a phenomenon. With these methods, problems are not merely patched up but are solved permanently.

How is Lean used to understand processes?

Lean development always starts with understanding how the work actually flows. A key tool is value stream mapping (VSM), which visualizes the entire process from start to finish, identifies expectations, inventories, bottlenecks, and variances. The process can be studied in Gemba, where the work happens, and development can be guided through PDCA cycles and small Kaizen experiments that quickly make the impacts visible.

How quickly can results be obtained from Lean?

Lean is not a quick win, but the effects can often be seen fairly quickly. The first changes can be observed in weeks to months, as bottlenecks and unnecessary expectations are removed and job satisfaction increases. Broader, sustainable results usually emerge over 6-12 months, as new practices are implemented, measured, and standardized.

What is a common misconception about Lean?

The most common misconception is that Lean is just a production method or a way to tidy up tools. Lean is a way of thinking and leading: it helps clarify work, improve flow, and reduce unnecessary burdens in all operations. Lean works equally well in HR, sales, marketing, finance, and knowledge work – anywhere information, people, or materials are involved. Lean is not about time-keeping or lurking, nor is it about blindly clearing out inventories. It is about making problems visible and easing the work.

Why is continuous improvement talked about in Lean?

Lean emphasizes that small, continuous improvements can lead to significant impacts over time. This is guided by the PDCA cycle: Plan – Do – Check – Act. Continuous improvement (Kaizen) is a way to keep processes in order, problems visible, and development moving forward. When teams are allowed to solve everyday challenges themselves, ownership and better solutions arise.

What is the difference between a value stream map and a process description?

The process description explains what steps the work involves. Value stream mapping (VSM) shows how work actually flows and where it gets stuck. VSM makes visible the expectations, inventories, bottlenecks, discrepancies, and the total time of the work. It helps to identify the development potential that is not visible in a standard process chart.

Frequently asked questions about Lean

Answers to key Lean topics.

How does Lean appear in strategy work?

Lean thinking brings clarity, focus, and continuous action to strategy work. The most common model is Hoshin Kanri, where strategic goals are broken down into concrete actions and implemented throughout the entire organization. This model ensures that everyone works towards the same direction, the goals are measurable, and progress is regularly monitored, for example, through daily management and clear metrics. As a result, the strategy does not remain on paper but is reflected in everyday decisions and ways of working.

How does Lean take safety and the work environment into account?

In Lean, safety is inherently included in the development of every process. A key tool is 5S, which organizes the work environment to be clear, safe, and easy to maintain. 5S reduces trip and collision risks, clarifies material flows, and eliminates unnecessary movements. Safety is also supported by the Andon practice, where problems are highlighted immediately, and by Gemba walks, where management visits the workplace to identify disturbances and safety risks directly at the job site.

What kinds of problem-solving methods are used in Lean?

Lean is based on systematic and root cause-oriented problem solving. The most common methods are the A3 problem-solving method, which guides the team through a clear PDCA cycle, and the 5 Whys method, which helps identify the root cause behind a phenomenon. With these methods, problems are not merely patched up but are solved permanently.

How is Lean used to understand processes?

Lean development always starts with understanding how the work actually flows. A key tool is value stream mapping (VSM), which visualizes the entire process from start to finish, identifies expectations, inventories, bottlenecks, and variances. The process can be studied in Gemba, where the work happens, and development can be guided through PDCA cycles and small Kaizen experiments that quickly make the impacts visible.

How quickly can results be obtained from Lean?

Lean is not a quick win, but the effects can often be seen fairly quickly. The first changes can be observed in weeks to months, as bottlenecks and unnecessary expectations are removed and job satisfaction increases. Broader, sustainable results usually emerge over 6-12 months, as new practices are implemented, measured, and standardized.

What is a common misconception about Lean?

The most common misconception is that Lean is just a production method or a way to tidy up tools. Lean is a way of thinking and leading: it helps clarify work, improve flow, and reduce unnecessary burdens in all operations. Lean works equally well in HR, sales, marketing, finance, and knowledge work – anywhere information, people, or materials are involved. Lean is not about time-keeping or lurking, nor is it about blindly clearing out inventories. It is about making problems visible and easing the work.

Why is continuous improvement talked about in Lean?

Lean emphasizes that small, continuous improvements can lead to significant impacts over time. This is guided by the PDCA cycle: Plan – Do – Check – Act. Continuous improvement (Kaizen) is a way to keep processes in order, problems visible, and development moving forward. When teams are allowed to solve everyday challenges themselves, ownership and better solutions arise.

What is the difference between a value stream map and a process description?

The process description explains what steps the work involves. Value stream mapping (VSM) shows how work actually flows and where it gets stuck. VSM makes visible the expectations, inventories, bottlenecks, discrepancies, and the total time of the work. It helps to identify the development potential that is not visible in a standard process chart.

Frequently asked questions about Lean

Answers to key Lean topics.

How does Lean appear in strategy work?

Lean thinking brings clarity, focus, and continuous action to strategy work. The most common model is Hoshin Kanri, where strategic goals are broken down into concrete actions and implemented throughout the entire organization. This model ensures that everyone works towards the same direction, the goals are measurable, and progress is regularly monitored, for example, through daily management and clear metrics. As a result, the strategy does not remain on paper but is reflected in everyday decisions and ways of working.

How does Lean take safety and the work environment into account?

In Lean, safety is inherently included in the development of every process. A key tool is 5S, which organizes the work environment to be clear, safe, and easy to maintain. 5S reduces trip and collision risks, clarifies material flows, and eliminates unnecessary movements. Safety is also supported by the Andon practice, where problems are highlighted immediately, and by Gemba walks, where management visits the workplace to identify disturbances and safety risks directly at the job site.

What kinds of problem-solving methods are used in Lean?

Lean is based on systematic and root cause-oriented problem solving. The most common methods are the A3 problem-solving method, which guides the team through a clear PDCA cycle, and the 5 Whys method, which helps identify the root cause behind a phenomenon. With these methods, problems are not merely patched up but are solved permanently.

How is Lean used to understand processes?

Lean development always starts with understanding how the work actually flows. A key tool is value stream mapping (VSM), which visualizes the entire process from start to finish, identifies expectations, inventories, bottlenecks, and variances. The process can be studied in Gemba, where the work happens, and development can be guided through PDCA cycles and small Kaizen experiments that quickly make the impacts visible.

How quickly can results be obtained from Lean?

Lean is not a quick win, but the effects can often be seen fairly quickly. The first changes can be observed in weeks to months, as bottlenecks and unnecessary expectations are removed and job satisfaction increases. Broader, sustainable results usually emerge over 6-12 months, as new practices are implemented, measured, and standardized.

What is a common misconception about Lean?

The most common misconception is that Lean is just a production method or a way to tidy up tools. Lean is a way of thinking and leading: it helps clarify work, improve flow, and reduce unnecessary burdens in all operations. Lean works equally well in HR, sales, marketing, finance, and knowledge work – anywhere information, people, or materials are involved. Lean is not about time-keeping or lurking, nor is it about blindly clearing out inventories. It is about making problems visible and easing the work.

Why is continuous improvement talked about in Lean?

Lean emphasizes that small, continuous improvements can lead to significant impacts over time. This is guided by the PDCA cycle: Plan – Do – Check – Act. Continuous improvement (Kaizen) is a way to keep processes in order, problems visible, and development moving forward. When teams are allowed to solve everyday challenges themselves, ownership and better solutions arise.

What is the difference between a value stream map and a process description?

The process description explains what steps the work involves. Value stream mapping (VSM) shows how work actually flows and where it gets stuck. VSM makes visible the expectations, inventories, bottlenecks, discrepancies, and the total time of the work. It helps to identify the development potential that is not visible in a standard process chart.