How to recognise Over Processing Waste

  

Of all of the “seven classic wastes” in Lean thinking, this is the

one that I find  people have the most difficulty understanding.  

What do we mean by “Over Processing”? 

 

Basically, it is doing something that the customer does not require. 

 

In my opinion "Over Processing Waste" is a nasty little piece of work

 

 Why do I say that ?

The reason I say that, is because "Over Processing Waste" creeps up on you. It's not always
obvious. Before you know it, you've created three or four spreadsheets to track the work in the office when one would be fine. The original application form has turned into ten different versions.

You need to learn to look for this waste and then challenge why it is there.

Let me give you some more examples of Over Processing by way of illustration:-

• A 30 page report when a short 2 page executive summary
  would have done. 
• Having both electronic records and paper records. 
• Excessive packaging on a music CD. 
• Paper instructions that will never be read. 
• Having 3 different spreadsheets across the office to record the same information 
• Extra keyboard strokes (not using shortcuts) 
• Lengthy cases notes when a simple explanation would be more helpful   
• Painting areas that never will be seen 
• Checking other peoples work before you start on your piece. 

Hopefully  you get the idea 

Experiment 

Take a look around your office and see how many examples of over-processing you can come up with? 

Oh, and why not fix them while you are at it.

Hope this helps. 

Graham Ross