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Lean Definition: Downstream

Lean makes extensive use of the term flow. As a result, one of the most common teaching analogies Lean practitioners use is that of a meandering river being slowly but surely turned into a deep, straight, fast moving channel.

That flow starts at the supplier, and finishes at the customer. As a result, ‘downstream’ refers to any movement in the direction of the customer.

Keep in mind that information often flows upstream while products and materials flow downstream.

That flow starts at the supplier, and finishes at the customer. As a result, ‘downstream’ refers to any process that is in the direction of the customer.

Keep in mind that information can often flow upstream while products flow downstream.

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