Waste Elimination: The Common Denominator for Improving Operations

Waste is defined as anything other than the minimum amount of resources which are absolutely essential to add value to the product. Resources include equipment, parts, materials, space, energy, worker′s time, and so on. Explores six types of waste which are relevant to all types of operations. Presents ways to eliminate all six. Uses examples relevant to both manufacturing and services. Provides summary implications. Concludes that a systematic and continuous identification and elimination of waste should be used to increase efficiency, improve productivity and enhance competitiveness.