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Chapter 10
Solving Problems and
Improving Processes—Rapidly
The Lean management system consists of more than its four principal
elements; a root cause orientation to problem solving, a rapid response
system, and a progressive approach to process improvement are among the
elements that round out the system. This chapter covers each of these topics.
(Chapter11 covers people-related elements.)
A Root Cause Orientation to Problem Solving
Any production process, whether manufacturing, healthcare, or administra-
tive, will experience problems that interrupt or threaten production. That is
as true of Lean systems as of any other. A key distinction ...