According to Dr. James Womack, which principle is NOT one of the five tenets of Lean manufacturing?

The principle that maximizing inventory levels to reduce stockouts is not one of the five tenets of Lean manufacturing is correct because Lean manufacturing emphasizes minimizing waste and reducing excess inventory. In a Lean mindset, high inventory levels are viewed as waste, as they can conceal underlying problems and lead to inefficiencies. Instead of maximizing inventory, Lean principles advocate for systems that promote just-in-time production and inventory management, allowing products to be produced based on actual customer demand rather than forecasts.

The other principles align well with Lean manufacturing philosophy. Ensuring that value flows seamlessly to the product without interruption focuses on improving processes to eliminate bottlenecks and enhance efficiency. Allowing customers to pull increased value from the producer refers to the pull system in Lean, where production is closely aligned with customer demand. Relentlessly pursuing perfection encourages continuous improvement in all areas of production to enhance value and efficiency further. These principles ensure that Lean manufacturing effectively reduces waste and improves overall productivity, which is fundamental to its approach.