Lean outsourcing. Think about it. Here are two terms that are, on their face, contradictory. Yet the combination of lean manufacturing and outsourcing is on its way. How is this possible? The answer is two words – Cisco Systems.

While there are a few contract manufacturing companies that have solid lean manufacturing programs either already in place or, underway, developing a true lean culture within large organizations can take years.

The situation becomes more complex when you realize many companies started their lean efforts in an attempt to save jobs by avoiding outsourcing and offshoring.