Lean knowledge base
Find the right Lean concept quickly
Use this knowledge base as a calm learning route: start with the basics, connect terms to process flow and deepen problem solving, leadership and implementation step by step.
- 15
- terms
- 4
- learning routes
- 8
- sources
Choose your entry point
Choose the route that matches your question
Each route connects a practical question to the terms, deeper pages and courses that help you apply Lean correctly.
Start with the system
Understand customer value, TPS, Kaizen and why Lean is more than a toolbox.
Start with Lean Improve processes02See flow and waiting time
Use value stream mapping, standard work, pull and takt to see how work really moves.
Explore flow Solve problems03Make learning visible
Use A3, PDCA and Toyota Business Practice to frame, test and learn from real problems.
Explore A3/PDCA Lead change04Connect strategy to the workplace
Use Gemba, coaching and Hoshin Kanri to align leadership with daily execution.
Explore leadershipLean logic
Learn Lean in a logical order
Strong Lean learning becomes easier when terms are placed in the right order. This flow gives visitors a clear mental model before they dive deeper.
- 01
See the system
Lean, TPS, customer value, waste and Gemba.
- 02
Design flow
Value stream mapping, standard work, pull and takt time.
- 03
Learn through problems
A3, PDCA, root cause thinking and TBP.
- 04
Hold direction
Hoshin Kanri, coaching, daily management and leadership routines.
Browse by theme
Browse the concepts
Scan the terms by theme. Click a term when you want a deeper page, or use the short definition to stay oriented.
Core terms
- What is Lean?Lean is a way to improve organisations by putting customer value, flow, problem solving and continuous learning at the centre.Go deeper into Lean
- What is TPS?TPS stands for Toyota Production System. It is the management and production system from which many Lean principles originate.Go deeper into TPS
- What is Kaizen?Kaizen means continuous improvement. In Lean, it includes small and larger improvements carried out systematically by people close to the process.Go deeper into Kaizen
- What is Gemba?Gemba is the place where value is created. Lean leaders go to the workplace to understand processes, abnormalities and facts directly.Go deeper into Gemba
Problem solving and strategy
- What is A3?A3 is a structured way to make a problem, analysis, countermeasures and learning points visible in a compact format.Go deeper into A3
- What does PDCA stand for?PDCA stands for Plan, Do, Check, Act. It is a learning and improvement cycle for testing hypotheses and improving processes step by step.Go deeper into PDCA
- What is Hoshin Kanri?Hoshin Kanri is strategy deployment: a method to connect strategic focus, breakthrough objectives and daily execution.Go deeper into Hoshin Kanri
- What is Toyota Business Practice?Toyota Business Practice is a structured problem-solving approach that combines A3 thinking, cause investigation and PDCA.Go deeper into TBP
Flow and process design
- What is value stream mapping?Value stream mapping makes the flow of value, information, waiting time and handovers visible so teams can choose better improvements.Go deeper into VSM
- What is standard work?Standard work describes the best known way to perform a task and forms the basis for stability, training and improvement.Go deeper into standard work
- What is pull?Pull means work is triggered by real demand or consumption rather than pushed forward based on assumptions.Short definition
- What is takt time?Takt time translates customer demand into the rhythm a process must deliver to meet that demand.Short definition
Practical route
How to use this knowledge base
Do not use the terms as isolated definitions. Their strength lies in the connections: Lean gives direction, TPS gives system logic, A3/PDCA gives learning structure, standard work anchors the best known way and Gemba keeps everyone close to the facts.
Literature and institutions
Classic sources behind the knowledge base
The knowledge base links practical Lean Academy experience to primary TPS sources and widely recognised Lean literature.
Toyota Production System
Primary reference for TPS, jidoka, Just-in-Time, kaizen and the roots of the Toyota system.
View sourceToyota Production System: Beyond Large-Scale Production
Foundational TPS text on waste elimination, Just-in-Time and the thinking behind Lean production.
View sourceThe Machine That Changed the World
The study that introduced lean production to a wider management audience.
View sourceLean Thinking
Classic explanation of value, value stream, flow, pull and perfection across industries.
View sourceLearning to See
Practical workbook for value stream mapping and future-state process design.
View sourceManaging to Learn
Core reference for A3 thinking as a management, coaching and organisational learning process.
View sourceThe Toyota Way
Management principles behind Toyota, organised around philosophy, process, people and problem solving.
View sourceToyota Kata
Reference for scientific thinking, improvement routines and coaching patterns in daily work.
View sourceThese sources are used as a reference framework. Lean Academy translates them into practical training, coaching and implementation for Belgian and European organisations.