We live in the midst of a never-ending battle: disruption on a global scale, constant uncertainty, dynamics of change of exponential proportions.

Is Lean still relevant?

Is Lean the cure?

Fully, partially or not at all?

I asked myself these questions while returning from an International Lean Management conference. During the conference, I heard this phrase: “Lean should be understood as the constitution of business.” Sounds great. However! Even the best constitutional provisions as we know them from history needed amendments. In the same way, Lean needs them. Certainly Lean as a constitution needs a new preamble. The goal of Lean is no longer to make a company competitive. There is more significant value than just your competitiveness.

Lean needs several improvements in its key areas like gemba observation, Value Stream Mapping, problem solving approach, QCD model. Perhaps also new paradigms of thought.