Value Stream

The Misapplication of Value Streams: The Pitfalls of Small Dedicated Work Groups

Published by Adrian Fegan in Lean Laboratory on July 7, 2026

While dedicating small groups to narrow work sub-streams is well-intentioned, it often misinterprets Lean principles and introduces severe inefficiencies due to workload volatility. Combining these work streams reduces variability and required staffing, allowing organizations to maximize productivity and truly optimize their value streams.