Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Practice Exam

What is the primary goal of lean production?

1. Maximizing resource allocation

2. Eliminating non-value-adding activities

3. Increasing sales volume

4. Reducing product prices

The correct answer is: Eliminating non-value-adding activities

The primary goal of lean production is to eliminate non-value-adding activities within the production process. Lean production focuses on streamlining operations to create more value for customers while using fewer resources. This method involves identifying and removing waste—defined as any activity that does not directly contribute to the value of the product or service. By concentrating on enhancing efficiency and optimizing workflows, organizations adopting lean production can improve their overall performance, reduce cycle times, and ultimately provide higher quality products or services. The essence of lean is to do more with less, which drives continuous improvement and fosters a culture of efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Reducing waste means keeping only activities that contribute value, thus enhancing overall productivity without increasing costs unnecessarily.