What is the production system characterized by waste reduction and efficiency in the 21st century?

The production system characterized by waste reduction and efficiency in the 21st century is lean production. This methodology focuses on minimizing waste without sacrificing productivity. Lean production employs various tools and techniques, such as value stream mapping, 5S, and continuous improvement (kaizen), to streamline processes and enhance value for customers.

Lean production originated from Toyota's Production System and has since been adopted across a variety of industries to improve operational efficiency. The core principle is to optimize resources, reduce cycle times, and increase flexibility while ensuring quality outputs. It is particularly relevant in a fast-paced, competitive environment where organizations seek to deliver value while keeping costs under control.

In contrast, other production systems, such as batch production, mass production, and continuous production, do not emphasize waste reduction and efficiency to the same extent as lean production. While batch production focuses on producing goods in specified groups, mass production is geared towards large-scale manufacturing of identical items without the lean principles of continuous improvement and waste elimination. Continuous production refers to the ongoing production of goods without interruption, which can sometimes lead to inefficiencies if not managed properly.