Muda (Waste)
Muda, a Japanese term meaning "waste," refers to any activity or resource that does not add value to a product or service. In the context of Lean Manufacturing, eliminating muda is essential for improving efficiency and reducing costs. It can manifest in various forms, such as excess inventory, unnecessary motion, or defects in products.
Identifying and minimizing muda helps organizations streamline their processes and enhance productivity. By focusing on value-added activities, businesses can improve customer satisfaction and achieve better overall performance. This concept is a key principle in Toyota Production System, which aims to create more efficient workflows.