Many companies embrace the lean philosophy and seek business excellence. But best practices aren’t just something you can plug-and-play. And it’s not all about efficiency and cost-cutting for its own sake.

Consultant and lean manufacturing expert Bill Waddell says before you do anything to your process, you have to look at how critical aspects of your operations are handled, including some you might not expect.

We discuss what exactly to be looking for, as well as…

• What your best customers will give you – and it’s not just more money
• Why distributors should be worried
• The danger of marketing not matching value
• Identifying the balance point when a company is most profitable
• And more