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The article deals with the implementation of lean principles by U.S. businesses using value stream mapping, which analyzes the entire value stream for a product from the raw material to the finished state. It presents the calculation of the percentage of value-added time and the inventory efficiency for manufacturing, transactional and administrative processes. It discusses the concept of activity efficiency, as well as if it applies to a work cell. It presents a diagram showing an analysis of a primed process.

The article focuses on the evolution of Taiwan's economy from labor-intensive industry to the technology-based industry. Industrial engineers (IE) have played a significant role in its economic growth. They have helped establish production lines and improve shop floor efficiency. The country is known for its agile manufacturing capability, with companies that help realize ideas into products and production. As the semiconductor manufacturing technology enters the deep-submicron technology node, issues of design for manufacturability have precipitated the industry's problems which are addressed by IE researchers in the country. INSET: TAIWAN'S FUTURE INDUSTRIAL ENGINEER.

The article focuses on the seven aspects of lean thinking which influence the people's mindset towards industrial management. It is stated that the lean thinking challenges personal philosophy in business settings, encourages the use of economic solutions for industrial problems and takes any one to the higher level of efficiency. Lean thinking covers the entire process of manufacturing which leads to greater impact in the marketplace. Lean thinking requires dedication and openness around goals, expectations and outcomes.