Which activity is most aligned with Lean principles?

Shortening product delivery times through process improvement is fundamentally aligned with Lean principles. Lean methodology emphasizes maximizing value for the customer while minimizing waste. By focusing on process improvements that lead to faster delivery times, organizations can enhance their efficiency and responsiveness to customer needs. This practice not only reduces lead times but also contributes to a more streamlined operation, which is a core tenet of Lean thinking.

Lean seeks to eliminate non-value-added activities, and improving delivery times directly addresses the flow of products to customers while ensuring that resources are utilized effectively. Instead of increasing complexity or inventory, which can lead to more waste and inefficiencies, Lean advocates for simplifying processes and enhancing throughput.

The other activities presented do not align as closely with Lean principles. For instance, increasing inventory can lead to excess stock and holding costs, which Lean aims to minimize. Complex scheduling may introduce unnecessary complications and delays, detracting from the goal of quick and efficient operations. Installing redundant systems typically adds layers of complexity and potential waste, which contrasts sharply with the goal of Lean to streamline processes and eliminate excess.