Home Consultancy CIMM Maturity Model Level 3 – Stable and predictable processes Lean management

What is Lean?

Lean helps organisations to create more value for the customer while simultaneously eliminating waste from processes. A successful implementation therefore begins with determining customer value and mapping the value stream.

Subsequently, the eight forms of waste, also known as Waste of Muda, are made visible and addressed in a targeted manner. By actively involving employees, making performance visual, and improving processes daily, waiting times, errors, stocks, and unnecessary actions decrease.

Clear standards secure the improvements achieved. This creates a customer-oriented process in which work flows smoothly and continuous improvement becomes part of daily work.

The five Lean principles

The five Lean principles form the basis for customer-oriented and efficient working. They help organisations increase value, reduce waste, and continuously improve and renew processes step by step.

cimm lean process optimisation

1. Customer value

Determine from the customer’s perspective what they are actually willing to pay for.

 

cimm lean process optimisation

2. Value stream

Map all process steps and remove activities that do not add customer value.

 

cimm lean process optimisation

3. Flow

Eliminate waste so that products and services flow through the process without interruptions.

 

cimm lean process optimisation

4. Pull

Start work based on actual customer demand and prevent overproduction.

 

cimm lean process optimisation

5. Continuous Improvement

Constantly improve processes by recognising and eliminating waste, and solving problems.

How does a Lean transformation proceed?

Symbol guides organisations through a Lean transformation that aligns with their strategy, customer needs, and daily practice. Together with management and employees, we map customer value, value streams, and the most significant wastes.

We then determine priorities and start improvement initiatives that yield visible results quickly. Symbol combines training, coaching, and practical guidance on the shop floor. Teams learn to improve processes, manage performance visually, and solve problems structurally. Managers develop the behaviour that supports continuous improvement.

By standardising new working methods and regularly evaluating results, Lean is sustainably secured and an organisation is created that delivers more customer value every day with less waste and better collaboration.

View other elements in Level 3

Would you like to discuss the possibilities of Lean transformation?

Symbol coaches Green and Black Belts in the execution of their improvement projects. Symbol also has extensive experience in setting up and rolling out Lean transformations across multiple departments and locations.

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