What distinguishes waste detection in manufacturing from that in transactional environments?

The distinction between waste detection in manufacturing and transactional environments lies significantly in the nature of the output produced in each setting. In manufacturing, waste often manifests physically—such as excess materials, defective products, or unnecessary movements—making it visually apparent and easier to identify. However, in transactional environments, output tends to be more abstract and intangible, mainly involving the flow of information and services.

For instance, inefficiencies like excessive approval times, miscommunication, or delays in information processing are common in office settings. These issues do not have a physical form that can easily be spotted, which makes identifying waste more challenging. In such environments, waste can be hidden within processes that rely heavily on communication, data entry, and information management. This intrinsic difference underscores the importance of recognizing the intangible aspects of productivity and efficiency in transactional environments, emphasizing that the methods for waste detection must adapt to the context of the work being performed.