How is "value" defined in Lean IT?

In Lean IT, "value" is fundamentally defined by what the customer is willing to pay for. This perspective emphasizes understanding the needs and wants of the customer and ensures that all activities and processes within the organization are aligned to deliver that value. By focusing on the customer’s perspective, Lean IT encourages organizations to identify and eliminate waste, thereby enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of their operations to provide better value.

This concept is central to the Lean philosophy, which aims to improve processes not simply for the sake of efficiency or cost reduction, but to ensure that the output meets or exceeds customer expectations. When value is defined in this way, it helps organizations prioritize work that enhances customer satisfaction and drives competitive advantage.