Lean requires sensible and appropriate utilization of various methods, tools and techniques to collect and analyze data, identify the root causes of complex problems, eliminate waste, proactively address potential failures, simplify and standardize processes, and drive continuous improvement. It is important to emphasize that every process improvement project is unique and Lean tools and techniques should not be automatically applied across all projects. Selecting the right tools and techniques for a given situation is often critical for timely and successful completion of the project. However, technical tools and techniques represent only one element of the integrated process improvement system. As described previously, underlying management philosophy, interdepartmental collaboration, employee engagement, and positive organizational culture conducive to Lean thinking are essential for achieving breakthrough performance.
