FOREWORD

How do you measure the effectiveness of a Lean project? There are no standardised metrics, no predefined checklists, and no easy answers. Auditors and others performing assurance reviews of Lean projects need to rely on their powers of observation and their inquisitive natures to obtain the information that they need. Most importantly, they need to align their auditing methods to focus on assessing the three most critical outcomes of a Lean project: Increasing customer value, minimising waste and ensuring continuous improvement.

In the same way that Lean thinking changes the way in which people work, the auditing of Lean projects must change from traditional auditing approaches to methods that are more customer-centric, more focused on identifying areas of waste, and better able to monitor ongoing improvement. Lean audits do not negate the importance of confirming efficiencies, adequate controls and effective governance; they do, however, revolutionise the way in which these core objectives are gathered, assessed and documented. The challenge is finding the right tools to help you make the transition from traditional auditing to Lean audits.

Fundamentals of Assurance for Lean Projects is a practical guide that gives you the critical information that you need to conduct successful Lean audits across every business sector. This book is filled with practical questions that auditors can ask to address the key Lean objectives of minimising waste, increasing customer value and ensuring continuous improvement. It includes a refreshing number of real life examples that detail the benefits of conducting reviews of Lean projects and identifies the risks of trying to apply traditional auditing methods to Lean organisations. I am confident that every reader will walk away with a powerful set of tools that they can use in all of their future work.

Jamie Lynn Cooke, CSM, CSPO

Author of award-winning books on Agile methods, including Agile Productivity Unleashed: Proven approaches for achieving real productivity gains in any organization.