Muda是什麼意思

"Muda" is a Japanese word that means "waste" or "futility." It is often used in the context of lean manufacturing and the Toyota Production System, where muda refers to any activity that does not create value for the customer.

In the context of lean manufacturing, there are several types of muda that are identified and eliminated to improve efficiency and reduce waste:

1. Overproduction: Producing more than what is needed or can be sold.
2. Transportation: Moving goods unnecessarily during the production process.
3. Waiting: Idle time where machines or people are not being used effectively.
4. Inventory: Holding too much stock, which ties up capital and can lead to spoilage or obsolescence.
5. Motion: Unnecessary movement of people or equipment.
6. Defects: Producing items that do not meet quality standards and need to be reworked or scrapped.

The elimination of muda is a key principle of lean thinking, which aims to maximize customer value while minimizing waste.