Lean production is more than a production methodology focused on eliminating waste, where waste is defined as anything that does not add value for the customer. Lean starts with each individual. First and foremost, it is a mindset that goes far beyond production and management. It is a continuous effort to be aware of what adds value (to all stakeholders starting from customers), and accordingly improve efficiency, reduce waste and increase productivity. In short, lean production and management means that you know at any time where you are headed towards and why. It also means achieving more with less while coming up with high quality results. At the heart of this, there is respect and appreciation of the contributions made by each individual in the value chain that must not be neglected at any time.

What is absolutely clear, however, is that a ‘zero waste’ approach when dealing with all kinds of resources is beneficial to the environment and our planet and reduces ever increasing costs.

The first step towards environmentally responsible behaviour and production is to avoid everything that is not absolutely necessary and does not add value. When recycling and upcycling are added, this approach becomes even more environmentally sustainable: a win-win for all stakeholders, planet earth included.

If we then add Kaizen and the continuous improvement processes in small steady steps, it becomes clear that lean production and management is an excellent and precious methodology.

However, crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic have clearly shown that volatilities and disruptions can occur at any time. Therefore, more than ever leaders have a hard time making lasting changes within their organisations.

A high degree of flexibility and short cycles are required. How does that fit in with the systematic analysis of processes and value streams to reduce waste, variability, and inflexibility, and increase performance, product quality, customer satisfaction, and employee engagement while reducing costs?

This is where being agile comes into play. Lean management and Agile methodology and Agile management have a whole range of fundamental aspirations in common:

• Delivering value for the customers
• Learning and improving continuously
• Developing better work methods
• Being transparent to properly share  goals and strategies with the teams
• Empowering people so that they can use  their potential to the fullest.

Agile methods originated in creative, customer-facing environments. However, concepts such as multi-functional and self-managed agile teams are now also being used in back offices. 

The best choice of team models, ways of working and tools can be a combination of Lean and Agile Management. However, the best fit ultimately depends on the nature of the business.