Which of the following is characteristic of a lean production layout?

• A. Minimization of waste and smooth flow of materials
• B. Emphasis on large batch sizes to reduce costs
• C. Use of specialized machines for each production step
• D. Maximization of inventory at each stage of production

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a lean production layout focuses on efficiency by reducing waste and improving the flow of materials through the production process.
2. Recognize that lean production aims to minimize inventory levels rather than maximize them, to avoid excess holding costs and inefficiencies.
3. Note that lean production typically emphasizes small batch sizes or continuous flow rather than large batch sizes, to reduce lead times and increase flexibility.
4. Identify that lean production often uses flexible, multi-purpose equipment instead of specialized machines dedicated to a single production step, to enhance adaptability and reduce downtime.
5. Conclude that the key characteristic of a lean production layout is the minimization of waste and the smooth flow of materials, which aligns with the principles of lean manufacturing.