What is a primary characteristic of Lean Manufacturing?

A primary characteristic of Lean Manufacturing is its emphasis on structured and predictable processes. This approach is foundational to Lean principles, which aim to streamline operations by reducing waste and improving efficiency. By creating structured processes, Lean Manufacturing allows for a consistent workflow that can be standardized, which leads to predictable results. This predictability is crucial for quality assurance and efficiency, as it allows organizations to identify bottlenecks and areas of waste within their operations.

In Lean Manufacturing, having predictable processes means that organizations can better meet customer demands and maintain quality standards, as each step in the process can be measured and improved over time. This structured approach not only helps in optimizing resources but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where all team members are encouraged to identify areas for enhancement.

The other options do not align with the core attributes of Lean Manufacturing. Emphasizing only intangible benefits or focusing exclusively on product quality overlooks the holistic view of Lean that incorporates efficiency, waste reduction, and customer value. Additionally, a refusal to measure outcomes would contradict Lean principles, which rely heavily on data to track performance and drive improvements.