Lean manufacturing is a process that aims to eliminate waste within a manufacturing system. It involves identifying and removing non-value added activities, improving flow, and pulling work through the value stream to better meet customer demand. The document discusses the origins and key concepts of lean, including the 7 types of waste, and outlines the 4 main tools used - value stream mapping, 5S, kanban, and poka-yoke. Lean principles can be applied beyond manufacturing to drive continuous process improvement.