lean production – continually working to reduce the resources used to create products i.e. raw materials, labour, machines and premises

(Pronounced leen pruh-duhk-shn)

The easiest way to remember the meaning of lean production is to split up the terms as follows:

Lean = Having no excess fat, thin and healthy.

Production = The process of manufacturing products from components or raw materials.

Combining these two definitions creates the meaning of lean production. The 'excess fat' (unnecessary resources, labour, machines and premises) is continuously stripped back to ensure the manufacturing process is as efficient and cost effective as possible.