Which of the following is considered waste that lean manufacturing aims to eliminate?

• A. Idle workers
• B. Unnecessary processes
• C. Excess Inventory
• D. Highly Specialized Workforce

Answer: (C)

Lean manufacturing aims to remove anything that does not add value to the customer. Excess inventory stands out as waste because it ties up capital, requires storage space, increases handling and risk of obsolescence, and slows down the production flow. By using pull systems and just-in-time production, inventory is kept to the minimum needed, which improves throughput and responsiveness. The other options reflect potential wastes in lean terms—idle time, unnecessary steps, and underutilized talent—but inventory is the clearest and most direct target for eliminating waste in lean practice.