Lean Administration – Smart Factory Glossary

Lean administration reduces the complexity of administration processes. For this purpose, lean administration transfers the proven principles of lean management to administrative processes in companies. The aim is to make all activities more efficient by streamlining processes and reducing waste.

While lean management in manufacturing aims to make production processes leaner, more efficient and cost-effective, lean administration focuses on improving office processes such as accounting, human resources, purchasing, and customer service. The use of lean administration is particularly important in large companies and organizations, where complex administrative processes often result in inefficiencies. Similar to lean management, the typical tools and methods used here include value stream mapping, the 5S method (sort, systematize, sanitize, standardize, self-discipline), and the continuous improvement process (CIP).

The history of lean administration

In the 1990s and 2000s, companies began to systematically apply the principles of lean management to administrative processes. The increasing complexity and cost pressure in many industries has driven the need to streamline non-productive areas as well. Today, lean administration is an integral part of modern company strategies.

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