WASTE

WASTE refers to any activity, resource, or process that consumes time, money, or materials without adding value or benefiting the overall goal. It includes things like unnecessary steps in a task, excess inventory, defects that require rework, overproduction, waiting time, excess motion, and unused talent. Reducing waste improves efficiency, cuts costs, and enhances quality. The concept is widely applied in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and service sectors to streamline operations and maximize resources, ultimately delivering better products or services with less unnecessary effort or expense.