What is it?
Wasteful activities can be defined as any activity not adding value to the product or service from the customer’s perspective. These Non-Value Adding (NVA) activities can be described in 7 (+1) categories. A good technique to identify wastes is to visit the workplace, observe the conditions, processes and activities, and engage with the workers.
Why do it?
- Using the TIMWOOD approach detects waste and aids a structured approach to its elimination
- Reduces cost, space and resources required to complete activities
- Improves quality, on time delivery and safety
- Enhances employee morale and contributes to a zero-waste culture
When to apply?
- Can be used any time but is particularly useful at the early stages of an improvement initiative
- Effective means for leaders to talk with employees at the workplace as part of ‘Go-See’ activity
- During Value Stream Mapping exercises to systematically identify problems and issues