text: what is the meaning of lean ?   lean manufacturing is a management philosophy focusing on reduction of the 7 wastes (over-production, waiting time, transportation, processing, inventory, motion and scrap) in manufactured products. by eliminating waste (muda), quality is improved, production time is reduced and cost is reduced. lean "tools" include constant process analysis (kaizen), "pull" production (by means of kanban) and mistake-proofing (poka yoke).  i think this is what you were lookin for... :)