Which of the following is NOT one of the seven wastes commonly targeted by lean management?

In the context of lean management, the primary focus is on maximizing value by minimizing waste. The seven wastes commonly targeted include categories such as waiting, overproduction, and defects. Each of these represents inefficiencies within a process that do not add value to the final product or service.

Customer feedback, while crucial for improving processes and products, does not fall into the category of waste. Rather, it is a valuable source of information that helps organizations understand customer needs, improve quality, and refine processes. By integrating customer feedback into operations, businesses can enhance their offerings and focus on value-added activities, rather than eliminating waste.

In contrast, waiting, overproduction, and defects are direct examples of activities that consume resources without contributing to the value perceived by the customer. By identifying and reducing these types of waste, organizations can achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in their operations. Thus, recognizing customer feedback as an important element rather than a waste distinguishes it from the other responses, confirming that it is indeed not one of the seven wastes targeted in lean management.