Column: MOVING BEYOND THE TOOL AGE - THE DEVELOPMENT OF LEAN THINKING OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS HAS OFTEN BEEN LABELLED THE TOOL AGE, BUT TO MAKE LEAN DELIVER ITS FULL BENEFITS COMPANIES MUST MOVE BEYOND THAT INTO THE AGE OF LEAN MANAGEMENT

The development of lean thinking in the past has often been labelled the tool age, but to make lean deliver its full benefits, companies must move beyond that into the age of lean management. Some general observations about organisation and management are discussed. Then simple elements of lean management worthy of experimentation are given. A clear vision of organisational objectives and better management methods are required before lean tools are picked up