Most companies have some degree of waste, however that which is AVOIDABLE but allowed to continue unabated is chronic waste. Unfortunately, many organizations have chronic waste which becomes a burden to delivery of customer value. Waste has a cost and chronic waste implies increased costs to the customer and/or a reduced financial return for the stakeholders. In a sense, organizations take the batteries out of the smoke detector. This means you have become so accepting of the waste that we do not see it even though it is in front of you. Clear your thoughts....look around your organization....and comment on what you see. --------------------------------------------------- EXAMPLES: unwanted turnover....unnecessary and bureaucratic delays that add time....preventable accidents....product recalls....inventory overages....it is a long list.