Lean project management delivers projects with less waste and more value by systematically eliminating waste. To work, it depends on continuous improvement, which means improving all the processes by deploying the principles of reduced waste and greater value. Lean was developed by Toyota and that’s why it uses Japanese words to refer to waste elimination, waste produced by overburden, and waste due to uneven workloads. The lean method has five lean principles, value stream, value, pull system, perfection, and continuous flow.
The Benefits of Lean Project Management
Some of the benefits of the lean project management are:
- Better decision-making, more control, and empowered team
- Boosts morale and productivity
- Fast projects as a result of fewer issues
- Increases profits due to value addition and waste reduction
- Higher customer satisfaction
- As companies realize these benefits, they invest more in tools, workers, and equipment
The Definition of a Lean Project
A lean project is one with continuous improvement. That makes lean part of the agile project management environment, in that it’s willing to change and is flexible as needed. It’s about value delivery to stakeholders and customers, which is the same whether you’re manufacturing an app or a car.
The 5 Lean Principles
The five lean principles are:
Value
Value is defined by the client, customer, or the stakeholder. Know the requirements and expectations that must be met.
Value Stream
After defining the value, you should map the processes and steps in the manufacturing cycle. Identify actions that must be taken in the project, including procurement, design, production, and admin.
Continuous Flow
There shouldn’t be a point that will interrupt or create bottlenecks to production. Make the steps in the value stream in a tight sequence so that the service or the product will have a continuous flow.
Pull System
This is when the client, the customer, or the stakeholder pulls the service or the product when needed. The improvements of the earlier steps lead to quicker time to market.
Perfection
The last step is to spread the philosophy throughout the business. Every stakeholder in the business must strive to improve the processes they work on and on themselves. It often takes many steps to get the value and reduce waste.
Team in Lean Projects
Lean project teams are created to achieve maximum value delivery and efficiency. Below is a breakdown of the main roles and the way they contribute to success:
Team lead
They lead the project team towards achieving project goals. They have strong expertise in lean to manage project resources and timeline and ensure favorable outcome.
Project sponsor
A project sponsor is a leader who advocates for success. They secure resources, remove roadblocks, and have an understanding of lean principles.
Team members
They are the backbone of the team and participate in initiatives that lead to improvements. They’re equipped with awareness and apply processes and tools within their expertise.
Process owner
A leader who oversees project processes being addressed. They implement and maintain the process after completion.
Subject matter expert
A skilled person with specialized knowledge and skills. They come from different functions such as HR, IT, Finance, etc.
Finance partner
Provides expertise and analyzes returns on investment, and verifies cost savings from proposed solutions.
What Is Lean Project Management- FAQs
What is the main focus of lean project management?
To reduce waste in business processes and the result is a reduction in costs and lead time as well as an improvement in quality.
Where is lean management used?
The lean management principles can be used as a management tool to improve the overall performance of companies. Some examples of production and business processes based on lean management include: Lean software development and lean manufacturing.
What is the fundamental purpose of Lean?
The main aim of lean is to reduce waste. Six Sigma reduces variation for quality control.
Is Lean only for manufacturing?
Lean is also used in non-manufacturing and administrative processes. Non-manufacturing processes still have a great potential for efficiency and optimization increase.
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