What does "lean manufacturing" focus on?

Lean manufacturing concentrates primarily on waste reduction and efficiency improvement. The core philosophy behind lean manufacturing is to identify and eliminate any non-value-adding activities in the production process, which leads to streamlined operations, reduced costs, and enhanced product quality. This focus on minimizing waste not only improves efficiency but also creates a more sustainable production environment.

By honing in on value-added processes, lean manufacturing aims to optimize the flow of materials and information within the system, ultimately delivering higher quality products more efficiently and at lower costs. This holistic approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement where employees are encouraged to identify waste and find opportunities to enhance operational efficiency.

The other choices, while relevant to manufacturing practices in various contexts, do not embody the central tenet of lean manufacturing. Maximizing workforce output could lead to overproduction, which is a form of waste. Long-term supplier contracts may provide stability but are not specific to lean principles. Lastly, enhancing product variety can complicate processes and may contribute to waste, counteracting the lean philosophy. Hence, the primary focus of lean manufacturing remains on waste reduction and efficiency improvement.