Waste consists of activities that consume resources and/or time without adding value.
These non-value-adding activities increase cost, delay delivery, and reduce overall efficiency. Identifying and eliminating waste is a core principle of Lean thinking and supports continuous improvement across projects, programs, and portfolios.
Key Characteristics
- Value-Neutral or Negative – Adds no benefit to the customer or end outcome
- Resource-Consuming – Uses time, money, or effort with no return
- Often Hidden – Embedded in processes as delays, rework, or excess output
- Targeted for Elimination – Addressed through Lean, Agile, and Six Sigma practices
Example Scenarios
- Requiring unnecessary approvals that slow down progress
- Producing documentation that no stakeholder uses
- Waiting for inputs from other teams with no alternative task ready
- Reworking deliverables due to unclear or changing requirements
Role in Process Improvement
- Improves Flow Efficiency – Streamlines processes for faster delivery
- Reduces Cost – Eliminates unnecessary spending and overhead
- Increases Focus on Value – Aligns team efforts with what matters to stakeholders
- Drives Cultural Change – Promotes a mindset of continuous evaluation and improvement
See also: Value Stream Map, Lean, Process Improvement Plan, Work in Progress (WIP), Cycle Time.