A common way to learn principles or tools is to associate a word as an acronym. The seven/eight wastes of Lean is a great example of acronymic variation. I’ve come across five different words invented to illustrate the wastes of Lean:

The iSixSigma dictionary uses the word DOTWIMP to list the seven wastes of Lean and TIM WOODS for the eight wastes.

Six Sigma Guy learns the eight wastes of lean from his co-worker as TO WISDOM and an article from the Lean Mining Network suggests WORMPIT as a way to remember the wastes.

Another acronymous word for the eight wastes is DOWNTIME.

Is all this variation good? If all you are going to do is memorize the acronyms…then the more there are the better. Choose the one you like best and roll with it. Any others acronyms out there for the 7/8 wastes of Lean? Do share.