Final answer:
The lean philosophy considers a certain level of work-in-process inventories as essential for maintaining a smooth workflow, which is true.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement is True. The lean philosophy acknowledges that some work-in-process inventories are necessary to ensure a smooth workflow within various production systems. While lean methodology aims to minimize waste and improve efficiency, it also recognizes that some level of inventory is essential to facilitate production processes and to respond to customer demands without delay, keeping production steady and avoiding disruptions.
Lean principles, derived from the Toyota Production System, emphasize the importance of a balanced and optimized production flow. In some cases, having a small amount of WIP inventory is considered a buffer to prevent disruptions in production and ensure continuous workflow. This strategic use of WIP aligns with the lean philosophy's focus on achieving a value stream that is both efficient and flexible.
The statement is true in the context of the lean philosophy, which acknowledges that maintaining some level of work-in-process inventories can be a strategic decision to support overall operational efficiency and effectiveness.