Low Hanging Fruit

Low hanging fruit describes the “big bang for the buck” projects that can jump start a Lean implementation.

They are the problems and opportunities that are easy to address with relatively little effort.

The low hanging fruit are not likely to be the biggest payoff projects, but they are the ones that can be resolved with continuous daily improvements (sometimes called daily kaizen).

Just don’t get into the habit of only going after the easiest projects. Their impact will be limited. In addition, your Lean skills will stagnate if you never challenge yourself.

As you attempt more demanding projects, you will see those skills grow. Fruit that used to be too high will become the low hanging fruit as you get “taller” in your abilities.