What is one type of waste identified in lean principles?

Transportation is recognized as one of the key types of waste in lean principles. This waste refers to any unnecessary movement of materials or products between locations, which does not add value to the product or service being provided. In lean methodology, the goal is to optimize processes and eliminate waste, thereby promoting efficiency. Reducing transportation waste can streamline operations, decrease lead times, and minimize the potential for damage to products, ultimately leading to improved customer satisfaction and lower costs.

In lean thinking, every activity should contribute to the value of the product; if it doesn't, it is considered waste. While excessive hiring and overstaffing relate to the management of workforce resources, they do not directly reflect the physical movement of products or materials, which is central to the concept of transportation waste. Team meetings, on the other hand, can be necessary for communication and decision-making, but if not managed effectively, they can also contribute to other forms of waste, such as time waste, rather than the specific focus on transportation.