Lean Six Sigma is applicable outside volume manufacturing

Volume manufacturing (automobiles) is where Lean thinking and tools were developed.

We use a volume manufacturing exercise (VSM)  to learn the techniques – we can visualise ‘things’ easier.

But Lean is not a ‘manufacturing’ concept, it is a volume concept.

Wherever you have volume you have processes which are dynamic.

Lean is being applied outside manufacturing; the potential is huge since for an advanced industrial economy:-

–80% non-manufacturing

–and of the 20% that is manufacturing, only 20% of that has prices driven by direct manufacturing labour.