Lean manufacturing is more than a continuous improvement philosophy, it is a culture, and maintaining that culture requires proper support from senior management. Manufacturers are operating in an increasingly competitive global marketplace, and it is important that all their resources are efficiently and effectively adding value for the customer. The smooth flow and speed of all processes is critical to the success of the business, and the resulting reduction in the time between getting an order and getting paid for the work helps cash flow. ‘Lean’ is not just for manufacturing companies. For instance, it is used in service industries with long, complex, variable processes and multiple decision points. In this short introductory guide we explore the characteristics of ‘lean’ and look at some tools and techniques commonly used in a ‘lean’ environment along with some simple examples and how to start using these tools and techniques in the workplace.