There is a concept in lean known as a “monument.” It refers to a large machine, piece of equipment, or something similar that can’t be changed right away, and so you have to plan your processes around it. This generally impedes the flow and frequently becomes a hindrance to lean initiatives. A monument is the opposite of the “flow” and “no waste” concepts of lean. But monuments don’t always refer to equipment or similar hardware.

The worst kind of monument can sometimes be the culture or mental models prevalent in a company. This results in the following excuses:
• It might work in Japan but not here.
• But we have to do it this way.
• This is how we’ve always done it, and this is how I was taught.
• How does cutting down inventory help with my production?

The productivity paradox

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