A purchase order is issued to the supplier for each delivery requirement is an activity that represents waste in a system. Waste is any activity or process that does not add value to the customer or the product, but consumes resources, time, or money. Waste can reduce the efficiency, productivity, and quality of the system, as well as increase the costs, defects, or delays. Waste can be classified into seven types: overproduction, inventory, transportation, motion, waiting, overprocessing, and defects1.

Issuing a purchase order to the supplier for each delivery requirement is an example of overprocessing waste. Overprocessing waste is any activity or process that is unnecessary or excessive for meeting the customer needs or specifications. Overprocessing waste can result from poor communication, unclear requirements, redundant tasks, or outdated procedures. Issuing a purchase order to the supplier for each delivery requirement is an overprocessing waste because it involves more paperwork, approvals, and transactions than needed. It can also create confusion, errors, or delays in the delivery process. A better way to eliminate this waste is to use a pull system, such as kanban2, that signals the supplier to deliver only when there is a demand from the customer.

The other options are not activities that represent waste in a system. More kanbans with smaller quantities are added to the supply chain is an activity that reduces waste in a system. Kanban is a pull system that uses visual signals, such as cards or containers, to indicate when and how much to produce or deliver. Kanban can help reduce waste by synchronizing the production and delivery processes with the customer demand, minimizing inventory levels, improving quality and efficiency, and preventing overproduction or underproduction3. Adding more kanbans with smaller quantities can help reduce inventory waste by lowering the holding costs, transportation costs, or obsolescence costs of inventory. It can also help reduce overproduction waste by producing or delivering only what is needed by the customer.

A kanban is eliminated from the system is an activity that reduces waste in a system. Eliminating a kanban from the system means reducing the number of signals or containers used in the production or delivery process. Eliminating a kanban from the system can help reduce waste by increasing the throughput and velocity of the process, reducing cycle times and lead times, improving responsiveness and flexibility, and enhancing customer satisfaction4.

A production forecast is issued to the supplier is not an activity that represents waste in a system. A production forecast is an estimate of the future demand or sales of a product or service. A production forecast can help plan and manage the production and delivery processes by determining how much and when to produce or deliver. A production forecast can help reduce waste by optimizing the use of resources and capacity, minimizing inventory levels and costs, improving service levels and quality, and avoiding stockouts or shortages5. Issuing a production forecast to thesupplier can help align the production and delivery processes with the customer demand and expectations.

References := The 7 Wastes With Examples: How to Identify Them | Lean Manufacturing, What Is Overprocessing Waste? Definition And Examples, Kanban - Wikipedia, How To Reduce Inventory With Kanban | Lean Manufacturing, Production Forecasting - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics