Looking for Muda

Abstract

Using the terminology of Lean management practices, this note addresses muda, or waste, by defining its subtypes and providing a framework for their identification in production and service processes. A form useful for conducting a muda audit is provided.

Excerpt

UVA-OM-1409

Rev. Mar. 11, 2016

Looking for Muda

Lean practice may be defined as the relentless pursuit of the strategic elimination of waste. Through the continuous refinement of practices and procedures, Lean management seeks to produce more goods more quickly while using fewer resources—less factory space, fewer worker movements, and fewer assembly steps. Although often associated with manufacturing—Toyota and Danaher are proponents—it is also applied in service settings such as Capital One Financial Corporation. This note defines three types of waste and provides a framework for their identification in production and service processes.

Waste

Lean identifies three types of waste:

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Keywords: Lean, muda, gemba, genchi genbutsu, overproduction, inefficient, workflow