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.