What is the primary benefit claimed for lean production?

• A. lower costs and higher productivity
• B. higher inventory
• C. longer lead times
• D. increased defects

Answer: (A)

Lean production focuses on removing waste from the production process to make things run more smoothly and efficiently. The main claim is that this leads to lower costs and higher productivity, because activities that don’t add value are trimmed, processes are streamlined, and resources are used more effectively. This often also means less waste, faster turnaround, and better quality, all contributing to cost savings and more output from the same inputs.

Higher inventory would contradict lean principles because carrying extra stock increases costs and ties up resources. Longer lead times and more defects indicate inefficiency and waste, which lean strategies specifically aim to reduce.