What is the characteristic of waste defined as "non-value added"?

The characteristic of waste defined as "non-value added" specifically refers to activities or processes that do not enhance the value of a product or service from the perspective of the customer. This means that if a particular step does not improve the quality, efficiency, or delivery of a service that the customer ultimately values, it is considered wasteful.

In a healthcare context, for example, how time is spent, the steps required to deliver care, and unnecessary administrative processes can all be scrutinized for their value contribution. The goal of a patient-centered approach is to minimize these non-value added activities in order to streamline operations, improve patient satisfaction, and increase overall efficiency.

The other characteristics, such as retention for operational integrity, positive contribution to productivity, or being essential for employee satisfaction, do not align with the definition of "non-value added," as they either imply some benefit or necessity that contradicts the waste classification.