Which of these is NOT a primary goal of a lean manufacturing system?

In a lean manufacturing system, the primary focus is on maximizing value for customers while minimizing waste. This methodology emphasizes continuous improvement and efficiency, which typically translates into several key goals: reducing cycle times, minimizing waste, and improving quality.

Greater production volume, while potentially a desirable outcome for some manufacturing processes, is not explicitly a primary goal of lean manufacturing. Instead, lean principles prioritize producing what is needed, when it is needed, and in the necessary quantity, rather than simply increasing volume. The aim is to create a more efficient process that delivers higher quality products without excess inventory or overproduction.

By focusing on reducing cycle times, minimizing waste, and improving quality, lean manufacturing strives for a more streamlined operation, which often results in lower costs and increased customer satisfaction. However, increasing production volume can sometimes lead to overproduction and waste, which are counterproductive to the principles of lean manufacturing. Thus, in the context of lean practices, greater production volume does not align with the core goals of the system.