(a.k.a. "7 Deadly Wastes of Manufacturing", "7 Sins of Manufacturing", etc.) The 7
wastes are activities identified and categorized as non-value adding events or processes that limit profitability in a company.
First identified by Taiichi Ohno of Toyota, the "7 Wastes" are as follows: (simplified)
1. Overproduction: Making more parts than you can sell.
2. Delay: Waiting for processing, parts sitting in storage, etc.
3. Transporting: Parts/Materials: Moving parts to various storage locations, from process to process, etc.
4. Over-Processing: Doing more "work" to a part than is required.
5. Inventory: Committing money and storage space to parts not sold.
6. Motion: Moving parts more than the minimum needed to complete and ship them.
7. Making Defective Parts: Creating parts that cannot be sold "as is" or that must be reworked etc.
Note: This is a terrific list and is commonly accepted as all-inclusive. Of course being "Improvers" we add "Innovation" as #8 which includes failing to tap into the human potential and creativity of your workforce. We contend that this is perhaps among the greatest failures and "wastes" in manufacturing today.
Creating a Lean Organization that is strong and capable will be one of your greatest achievements.
