7 Wastes

• Scrap, rework, correction

• Work that is less than the level the
Mistakes customer (the next process) has
requested
• e.g. missing information

• Producing more than the customer

needs right now
• Not joined up thinking
Uncoordinated
• e.g. pills given early to suit staff activity
schedules

• Idle time created when material,

information, people, or equipment is
Waiting not ready
• e.g. delays in testing, treatment,  or
discharge

• Movement of people that does not

add value
• e.g. searching for patients/paperwork Motion

• Effort that adds no value from the

customer’s viewpoint
Inappropriate • e.g. excessive paperwork,
Processing unnecessary procedures, multiple
testing

• More materials, parts, or products on

hand than the customer needs right
now Stock
• e.g. samples, specimens waiting for
analysis, paperwork in process

• Movement of product that does not

add value
Transport • e.g. moving samples, paperwork,
patients for testing, etc.