Lean vocabulary: the dictionary for your organization's performance

Master the meaning of lean terms and concepts. Get clear definitions that turn the language of management into practical results in your day-to-day work.

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A

1 term

A3

A practice pioneered by Toyota in which the problem, the analysis, the corrective actions and the action plan are written on a single sheet of paper (A3 size), usually with graphs and figures. At Toyota, A3 reports evolved into a standard method for problem solving, status reporting and planning exercises such as value stream mapping. A3 is the international term for a sheet of paper 297 millimeters

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E

1 term

Error-Proofing

Methods that help operators avoid mistakes in their work, such as choosing the wrong part, assembling a part incorrectly, forgetting a component, etc. Also known as poka-yoke (defect-proofing) or baka-yoke (foolproofing).

See : Inspection, Jidoka.

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F

2 terms

Five Whys

The practice of asking "why?" repeatedly whenever a problem is encountered, in order to go beyond the obvious symptoms and thereby discover the root cause.

See: Kaizen, PDCA.

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Four Ms

Variables manipulated by a production system with the goal of creating value for the customer. The first three refer to resources and the fourth to the way those resources are used. In a lean system, the 4Ms mean: Material - no defects or shortages.
Machines - no breakdowns, defects or unplanned stoppages.
Manpower - good work habits, the necessary skills, punctuality and attendance.
Method - standardized processes, maintenance and management.

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L

1 term

LAMDA Cycle

The basic learning cycle of lean product and process development, comprising five classes of development activity: look, ask, model, discuss, and act.

See : Lean Product and Process Development.

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P

2 terms

PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act)

Improvement cycle based on the scientific method of proposing a change to a process, implementing the change, analyzing the results and taking the appropriate action. Also known as the Deming Cycle or Deming Wheel, because the person who introduced the concept in Japan in the 1950s was W. Edwards Deming.

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Poka-Yoke

See: Error-Proofing.

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Frequently asked questions about the Lean Glossary

It is a glossary of terms and concepts used in lean management. It helps you understand lean terminology by aligning definitions and examples for study, reading and day-to-day application.

Use the search box to look for a specific term, browse by letter or filter by theme. Click the item to see a summary and open the full definition.

Some terms may have translations in other languages. When a translation is not available, the site may show the Portuguese version as a reference.

Yes. New terms may be added and definitions may be revised to keep the content clear, consistent and evolving over time.

Ao longo do Vocabulário, você encontrará links para conceitos relacionados e conteúdos do Lean Institute Brasil, como artigos, materiais da Central do Conhecimento, livros e capacitações.

A academia lean do Lean Institute Brasil oferece trilhas de capacitação EaD e presenciais, incluindo o Programa Prático de Formação Lean (PPFL), que ensina a utilizar frameworks consolidados e a aplicá-los resolvendo problemas de negócio reais.