Which waste category does unnecessary movements fall under?

Unnecessary movements fall under the category of transport waste because this type of waste involves any movement of materials or information that does not add value to the product or service being produced. In a lean context, it is recognized that excessive movement can lead to increased time, cost, and the potential for errors or defects, all of which ultimately detract from the efficiency of operations.

Transport waste specifically refers to movements that are not required for the flow of goods or information, which can include excessive handling, moving items unnecessarily, or transporting materials over long distances when closer alternatives exist. By identifying and minimizing these unnecessary movements, organizations can streamline their processes, reduce lead times, and enhance overall productivity.

Each of the other waste categories focuses on different aspects of inefficiency, such as waiting time where processes stall, overproduction where more goods are made than needed, and defects where errors require rework, but the nature of unnecessary movements aligns most closely with transport waste.