In lean process analysis, which term describes unevenness in work and demand flow?

In lean process analysis, which term describes unevenness in work and demand flow?

• A. Unevenness in work and demand flow
• B. Greater demand than capacity in any given time or overburdening the process
• C. Has necessary non-value-adding waste
• D. Has unnecessary non-value-adding waste

Answer: (A)

Unevenness in work and demand flow is called mura in Lean. Mura is the variability and inconsistency in process pace or demand that creates bottlenecks, fluctuating cycle times, and the need for larger batch sizes to hide gaps. The way to address mura is to level production and demand so the flow is smoother, using methods like takt time, heijunka (production leveling), and standard work to stabilize the process. The other terms describe different Lean ideas: overburdening the process is muri, while non-value-adding waste is muda (unnecessary) or, less commonly, “necessary waste” isn’t a standard Lean term. So the described concept directly corresponds to mura.

Unevenness in work and demand flow is called mura in Lean. Mura is the variability and inconsistency in process pace or demand that creates bottlenecks, fluctuating cycle times, and the need for larger batch sizes to hide gaps. The way to address mura is to level production and demand so the flow is smoother, using methods like takt time, heijunka (production leveling), and standard work to stabilize the process. The other terms describe different Lean ideas: overburdening the process is muri, while non-value-adding waste is muda (unnecessary) or, less commonly, “necessary waste” isn’t a standard Lean term. So the described concept directly corresponds to mura.