6. Conclusion

Lean management was devised to meet the needs of a difficult period for Japan. In the 1980s, it proved better suited than other systems to the slow growth experienced by the world since the oil shocks of the 1970s.

Over the years, Lean has continued to evolve, taking advantage of the difficulties encountered and the criticisms levelled at it. The principles of just-in-time, zero-defects, continuous improvement and participative management have remained stable, forming the very foundation of the system.

In 2010, Toyota experienced a serious quality problem affecting millions of vehicles. Many observers expected a rethink of the Toyota Production System (Lean), which aims for zero defects. When the crisis was resolved, and after a long period of reflection, Toyota president Akio Toyoda drew the conclusions and declared: "We have strayed from...