Lean manufacturing aims to maximize value and minimize waste in production. It focuses on eliminating waste in all areas including customer relations, product design, supplier networks, and factory management. The goal is to incorporate less effort, inventory, time, and space while producing high quality products efficiently. Key aspects of lean include specifying customer value, value stream mapping to identify waste, using a pull system triggered by customer demand, empowering employees, and continuously improving. Techniques like 5S workplace organization, standard work, visual controls, total productive maintenance, and just-in-time production help implement lean principles.