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Seven Wastes (TIMWOOD)

Problem solvingProcess improvement

Reference model

Seven Wastes (TIMWOOD)A canvas of 7 boxes laid out on a grid of 2 columns and 4 rows: Transport, Inventory, Motion, Waiting, Overproduction, Overprocessing, Defects.TransportUnnecessary movement of products or materials.InventoryExcess products or materials not being processed.MotionUnnecessary movement of people.WaitingIdle time when resources are not being utilized.OverproductionProducing more than what is needed.OverprocessingMore work or higher quality than necessary.DefectsErrors that require rework or scrap.

The TIMWOOD acronym helps teams remember the seven types of waste.

About this model

A framework for identifying waste in processes, focusing on seven specific areas: Transport, Inventory, Motion, Waiting, Overproduction, Overprocessing, and Defects.

Originator not stated.

How to read it

  • Identify each type of waste in your process.
  • Categorize them using the TIMWOOD framework.

What this does

Identifies and categorizes seven types of waste in processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

When to use it

Use it when analyzing processes to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

Not when: Do not use it when the process is already optimized or when the focus is on quality rather than efficiency.

What happens next

Consider applying Lean principles to eliminate identified wastes.

Golden thread

Builds on ←

  • Process mapping
  • Value stream mapping

Feeds into →

  • Process improvement plan

Use this tool, free

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Drafted with AI and reviewed by Eccellere on 04/11/2026. Guidance, not advice: apply your own judgement.