Lean management refers to a technique developed with the aim of minimizing the process waste and maximizing the value of the product or service to the customer, without compromising the quality. It is coined by Toyota Production System, which is a part of lean thinking. Lean is possible through distinct technique such as flow charts, just in time, total quality management, work redesigning, and total productive maintenance. It focuses on delivering value to customers. A number of tools are deployed by the lean management system to link customer value to the process and people. You can apply the concept of lean in any business or production process, from manufacturing to marketing and software development. The lean methodology relies on three simply ideas: deliver value from your customers perspective, eliminate waste ( things that do not bring value to the end product), continuous improvement etc.

Before you start with the basic lean principles, you need to realize that lean methodology is about continuously improving work processes, purpose, and people. Instead of holding total of work processes and keeping the spotlight, lean management encourages share responsibility and share leadership. This is why the two main pillars of lean methodology are: respect for people and continuous improvements. After all, a good idea or initiative can be born at any level of the hierarchy, and lean trusts the people who are doing the job to say how it should be done.