I believe, the ss and lean complement each other, and are synergistic. While both can go independent of each other; like lifting a heavy object with single hand, ss+l is like lifting the same object using both hands. The difference it makes need not be over emphasized! While SS focuses on where something is really happening, LEAN focuses on where nothing is happening, but being projected as everything is happening! But one thing is for sure, there is much more money (ground+low level+mid level+top level) to be saved where nothing happens, compared to where some thing really happens. While it is quite easy to appreciate the lean-focus, in my opinion the root cause of the anti-lean mess lies in the "baba adam" accounting and financial principles and practices! K.M.Date Principal Facilitator - INFERSTAT