Lean Office applies Lean principles to administrative, information and service processes. It focuses on the flow of information and decisions rather than only on physical products, with the aim of delivering faster and more reliable service to internal and external customers.
Typical improvements include reducing waiting, unnecessary approvals, duplicated data entry, errors, handoffs and excessive work in progress. Process mapping, visual management, standard work, pull systems and structured problem solving can be adapted to activities such as purchasing, order management, engineering, accounting and customer service.
