Which Lean tool enables flow by defining the sequence of steps and the time required to perform them?

The identification of Standard Work as the correct answer highlights its importance in Lean methodology. Standard Work involves creating a detailed, documented process that specifies the sequence of steps required to perform a task and the time it takes to complete each step. This level of detail not only ensures consistency in how work is performed but also establishes a basis for measuring performance and identifying areas for improvement.

By defining the sequence of operations clearly, Standard Work helps eliminate variability and enhances flow within a process. It sets a reliable standard that can be followed consistently, allowing team members to understand what is expected of them, which ultimately contributes to a more efficient workflow. In a Lean environment, having a standardized sequence also helps in training new employees, reducing errors, and streamlining operations, all of which contribute to better overall performance.

While Visual Management, 5S, and Process Mapping are valuable tools in the Lean toolkit, they serve different purposes. Visual management focuses on using visual cues to facilitate communication about the process, 5S is aimed at organizing the workplace for efficiency and effectiveness, and Process Mapping is involved in visually depicting the workflow to identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies, but it does not inherently define time requirements or standardize work practices as Standard Work does. This distinction reinforces why