Why Lean Transformation?
Lean is a name given to a way of continuously improving product and /or service delivery to customers.
The word Lean was coined in an attempt to encapsulate philosophies and methods originating in Japanese companies, particularly in Toyota (and their own Toyota Production System, TPS) who created exceptional customer value, and to explain how these could be used outside those organisations. Lean is not however a collection of tools or methods to be blindly applied, or even simply an operational system.
When correctly understood and deployed, Lean is a way of thinking; a set of principles working together, which respects and empowers people, transforms culture, and puts customers at the centre of every action to serve them better and better, and so deliver uncommon improvements.
These are truly Transformational changes and the effects include performance improvement beyond those of Six Sigma, Business Process Re-engineering, or Business Improvement. Lean Transformation creates steeper improvements and deeper changes, and continuously more competitive organisations with benefits for all.
The changes involved represent improved sustainable ways of working and thinking which involve all processes and engage all people to deliver ongoing frequent improvement within an organisation. The changes are challenging as organisations establish and develop their new ways, and people begin to think, act and lead from principles, however the rewards are great.
With a true Lean understanding, the right skills, support and desire, any organisation, regardless of Sector or Processes, can develop its own way to realise their Lean Transformation.
Many organisations have begun to travel the paths to Lean Transformation; a few are leading the way, others are re-thinking their approaches to revisit and reinvigorate their commitment and some have yet to start or even start to learn about Lean Transformation. All organisations and their people can succeed in their own Lean Journeys towards their Lean Transformations.
