Lean and Agile have their roots in the Toyota Production System (TPS), which was developed by Toyota in Japan in the 1940s and 1950s. TPS was created as a way to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce waste, with a focus on continuous improvement and customer value.
One of the key principles of TPS is the idea of “just-in-time” production, where items are produced only when they are needed, reducing inventory and waste. This principle is also known as “lean production” and is a core concept of Lean methodology.
Another important aspect of TPS is “jidoka,” which means “automation with a human touch.” This refers to the idea of stopping production when a problem occurs, rather than continuing to produce defective items. This concept is also incorporated into Lean methodology, with a focus on identifying and addressing problems quickly to prevent waste.
Agile, on the other hand, has its origins in the field of software development. It was created in response to the limitations of traditional, sequential software development processes, which often resulted in delays and missed deadlines.
Agile emphasizes collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement, with a focus on delivering working software quickly and responding to changing requirements. This approach is similar to the continuous improvement and customer value focus of TPS.
In summary, both Lean and Agile methodologies have their origins in the Toyota Production System, which emphasizes continuous improvement, waste reduction, and a focus on customer value. While Lean methodology focuses on streamlining processes and reducing waste in manufacturing and other industries, Agile methodology was developed specifically for software development, with a focus on flexibility and collaboration to deliver working software quickly. They both now form a major contribution from methodological standpoint to the emergence of DevOps.
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