Perspectives – VA vs NVA

In this podcast episode, Mark DeLuzio discusses the traditional definition of value-adding and non-value-adding activities in lean manufacturing. He argues that this definition is flawed because it does not consider the importance of all the activities that contribute to the success of a company, even if they are not directly related to the production process. He also points out that even activities that are traditionally considered to be value-adding can have non-value-adding aspects.

DeLuzio concludes by suggesting that we need to “reset our thinking” about value-adding and non-value-adding activities. He argues that we should focus on eliminating waste from all aspects of our work, not just the production process.