Why do Companies Focus on the Lean Tools?…Instead of a Lean Culture?

Jason Burt

As a lean consultant, I’ve had the opportunity to walk  the floor of hundreds of companies over the years.  Many of them are either looking to start their lean manufacturing journey, or have already begun.  But in almost all of companies…there is a misunderstanding of the most important aspects of lean manufacturing.  They are typically looking for Lean training, looking to gain some lean tools for their tool box.  The companies are focused on finding the quick fix, the silver bullet that will solve all of their operational issues, and they hope the lean tools are the answer.  But as many of us in the industry already know, the lean tools alone will not solve a companies issues and in most cases will simply fall apart without a greater understanding of the lean management and philosophical side of lean.