How Lean Methodology Enhances DevOps Efficiency

What is lean methodology:

Toyota Founder Kiichiro Toyoda developed the Lean methodology after World War II to save resources and cut down on waste. Inspired by how supermarkets manage their inventory, he came up with the just-in-time concept, which ensures products are made exactly when customers need them.

Speed, Efficiency, and Quality: DevOps and Lean Thinking Working Together

DevOps is all about processes, while lean focuses on efficiency. The real magic happens when you combine lean thinking with DevOps, bringing together speed, efficiency, and quality.

Implementing DevOps results in :

1. Boosted Team Morale

2. Quicker Releases

3. Rapid Customer Feedback

4. Shorter Iterations

In product development and delivery cycle

Here are some Lean Considerations:

• Principle1 : Defining the value

• Principle2 : Mapping the value stream

• Principle3 : Creating flow in the stream

• Principle4 : Establishing a pull system

• Principle5 : Pursuing Perfection

Principle1 : Removing any activity that do not add value to the product of service by doing so we can eliminate waste and create efficiency
By doing:

• Focusing on customer needs

• Identifying non value add activities

• Eliminating ways to increase efficiency

Principle2 : Continuous monitoring of the value stream for any constraints or improvements
By doing:

• Understanding the entire production process

• Identifying areas for improvement

• Continuous monitoring of the value stream

Principle3 : Product and service moving smoothly through the creation and production process without any delays, blockers, or interruptions.
By doing:

• Ensuring smooth and continuous flow of work

• Eliminating bottleneck and interruptions

• Reducing lead times

• Improving efficiency

Principle4 : Producing items based on what the customer wants means we're making things only when the customer asks for them. By using a pull system, we can keep our inventory levels low.
By doing:

• Ensuring smooth and continuous flow of work

• Eliminating bottleneck and interruptions

• Reducing lead times

• Improving efficiency

Principle5 : Lean requires a growth mindset and aims for perfection through continuous improvement. By using an ongoing feedback loop, it helps the project manager, team, and company reduce waste and boost efficiency.
By doing:

• Striving for continuous improvement

• Identifying areas for improvement

A product manager scenario for lean methodology:

1. Defining a value

   • What are the needs of the customer?

   • How do we identify them?

   • What will they pay us for?

2. Mapping the value stream

   • What activities deliver an value to the customer?

   • Is there any wastage inefficiencies in these activities?

   • How can we remove anything unneeded in our process?

3. Creating flow in the stream

   • What activities deliver value to the customer?

   • Is there any wastage or inefficiencies in these activities?

   • How can we remove anything unneeded in our process?

4. Establishing a pull system

   • Limit the amount of work in progress

   • Work based on the customers needs

   • Work in small batches and get feedback

5. Pursuing perfection

   • Be a learning organization

   • Always make what delivers value better

   • Make small improvements in skills, processes, tech and more each day

Stay tuned for more...