Lean tools vs a full Lean culture

Which one is right for you, and one is not necessarily better than the other…

Okay, so we lied (a little); a full Lean culture is always preferable to the straightforward application of Lean tools, and Lean tools should never be used without at least a basic understanding of the philosophy. We can help you there with our Lean awareness course -->

However, Lean tools can be brilliant as a proof of concept, and will demonstrate just how much can be achieved when the philosophy is correctly applied and will result in a significant improvement in your performance.  

The reality is that very few organisations jump in with a full adoption of a Lean culture, they often want to test the concept first, and that means tools. Our table below outlines the fundamental differences between using the tools and adopting the philosophy.  

Lean tools

  • Usually focused on individual problems, processes or areas 

  • Is about short-term process performance issues 

  • Creates increase or step change in performance, but then can stall 
    Often dependent upon external consultants to deliver change 

  • Activity started where the biggest problem is found 

  • Management often observe process with interest 

Full transformation

  • Is about the performance and culture of the whole business 

  • Is seen as a long-term journey, lasting 3-5 years 

  • Creates step change in performance and then continues to improve 

  • Is about creating internal Lean skills and change capability  

  • Master change plan based on diagnosis starts where the root causes of problems are 

  • Management at heart of process 

We have more than 20 years of both successfully proving the concept of Lean with clients (and have the results to match), and supporting transformation programmes. So, whether it's testing the concept or a full transformation, we'd love to be your partners of choice – whichever route you take we promise to be all in on your goals. Let's start that conversation; email hello@ad-esse.com to discuss your next steps. 

Try our online Transformation Health Check now -->