Lean waste (muda): what it is and what it means

Lean waste (muda) is any activity that consumes resources without adding value as perceived by the customer. The Lean tradition, born in Toyota's manufacturing, identifies 7+1 recurring categories of waste, also applicable to service settings and to Italian companies of every size.

Distinctive: without adding value as perceived by the customer
Distinctive: 7+1 recurring categories
Essential: consumes resources
Essential: also applicable to service settings
Constant: any activity

Glossary

Lean waste (muda)

Any activity that consumes resources without adding value as perceived by the customer. The Lean tradition classifies it into 7+1 recurring categories that can be adapted to services.