Audit Process Efficiency

Systematically identify waste and bottlenecks in a workflow using lean value stream mapping techniques.

Why This Is Best Practice

Adopted by: Toyota, Amazon operations, General Electric Six Sigma programs, NHS Lean transformation Impact: Value stream mapping studies show 30–50% lead-time reduction in manufacturing and 20–40% in knowledge-work processes when waste is systematically eliminated (Lean Enterprise Institute, 2021)

Why best: Most process inefficiency is invisible to participants because they are inside it. A structured audit externalizes the process, quantifies non-value-adding time, and produces a prioritized improvement backlog rather than a list of complaints.

Steps