Lean, quality improvement & root cause · Core
Waste
Also called: muda
ELI5
Activity consuming resources without creating required value.
Used in conversation
“Show where waste happens in the operating model and who receives the handoff.”
Pitch context
You will see “Waste” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches lean, quality improvement & root cause.
Why it matters: In lean, quality improvement & root cause, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.
Connected terms
- WasteThe same visible label “Waste” names different concepts.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16