"Lean" refers to a set of principles and practices that originated in manufacturing but have since

been applied to various industries, including software development, project management,

healthcare, and more. The core idea of lean is to maximize customer value while minimizing waste.
Lean principles aim to create more efficient and effective processes by eliminating unnecessary steps
and focusing on delivering value.

Key principles of lean include:

1. **Value:**

- Focus on delivering value to the customer. Identify what the customer truly values and align your
processes to prioritize and deliver that value.

2. **Value Stream:**

- Map out the entire value stream for a product or service, from concept to delivery, to identify and
eliminate waste. A value stream represents all the steps involved in delivering a product or service.

3. **Flow:**

- Ensure that work flows smoothly through the entire value stream without delays, interruptions, or
bottlenecks. This involves optimizing processes to enable a continuous and efficient flow of value.

4. **Pull:**

- Introduce a pull system where work is pulled based on customer demand. This helps prevent
overproduction and excess inventory, ensuring that work is done when needed.

5. **Perfection:**

- Strive for continuous improvement. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and adaptation,
where teams regularly reflect on their processes and seek ways to make them more efficient.

Lean principles are often associated with the Toyota Production System, which revolutionized
manufacturing by emphasizing the elimination of waste, continuous improvement, and a focus on
customer value. The application of lean principles has expanded beyond manufacturing to various
industries, as organizations seek to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer
satisfaction. In essence, lean thinking is about doing more with less and continuously striving for
excellence.