Waste is anything which does not add value to a product or service in any activity, whether manufacturing or non-manufacturing.
Waste exists as two major types:
Obvious waste
Hidden waste
Obvious waste is easily recognizable. Some examples:
Scrap, rework, offal
Undisciplined meetings, excessive paperwork systems
Working ahead of schedule, doing more than required
Excessive energy consumption.
Hidden waste refers to work which is necessary under current methods of operation, but could be eliminated if improved methods were adopted. Some examples:
Poor design, repair loops, waste handling and treatment facilities
