When considering waste in manufacturing, what is often a distinct form of waste compared to services?

Excess inventory is indeed a distinct form of waste in manufacturing compared to services because it directly relates to the physical goods produced in a manufacturing environment. In manufacturing, excess inventory can accumulate as a result of overproduction or miscalculations in demand forecasting, which often leads to increased holding costs, potential obsolescence, and wasted resources.

In contrast, service industries tend to deal more with intangible products and experiences, where the concept of inventory does not apply in the same concrete way. While errors in processing, idle equipment, and unbalanced workload can occur within both manufacturing and service sectors, excess inventory specifically addresses the tangible accumulation of goods that is unique to manufacturing operations. This distinction underscores the importance of effective inventory management in manufacturing contexts to minimize waste and optimize operational efficiency.