
Lean Production System ◾ 31
all of which depend on workplace design. Ergonomics, therefore, is a key to
reducing the muda of human motion.
Delay
Waiting waste occurs when a worker has to wait for material to be delivered,
or for a line stoppage to be cleared, or when employees stand around wait-
ing for a machine to process a part. It also occurs when there is excessive
work-in-process (WIP) because of large batch production, equipment prob-
lems downstream, or defects requiring rework.
Delays increase lead time—that is, the time between the customer plac-
ing and receiving his or her order—a critical measure in the Lean system.
Lead time may be ...