{"id":34101,"date":"2025-07-24T00:39:24","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T23:39:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/?post_type=article&#038;p=34101"},"modified":"2025-07-24T00:39:24","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T23:39:24","slug":"lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/","title":{"rendered":"Lean Thinking Beyond the Factory: A New Standard for Retail Operations"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Retailers today are navigating a complex landscape. With rising wage pressures, shifting consumer expectations, and the growing demands of omnichannel fulfilment, the traditional levers of improvement are no longer enough. What\u2019s needed now is a step-change in how store operating models are designed, executed and sustained.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Interestingly, some of the most effective solutions aren\u2019t new innovations; they\u2019re simply proven approaches being applied in a new context. While retail and manufacturing may look different on the surface, the fundamentals of how they operate are remarkably similar: both rely on people, processes, infrastructure, systems, and performance management to succeed. That\u2019s why the tools that have delivered real, sustained improvements in factories &#8211; like Lean, TPM, and Operational Excellence &#8211; are so relevant to retail. At Argon &amp; Co, we\u2019ve spent years helping manufacturers embed these methodologies, delivering tangible bottom-line results across Australia and New Zealand. Now, we\u2019re bringing that same discipline to retail in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/unlocking-retail-productivity-argon-co-partners-with-kaizen-institute-to-deliver-best-in-class-optimisation-in-australia-and-new-zealand\/\">partnership with Kaizen Institute<\/a>, with equally compelling outcomes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"4\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Reimagining Retail Through a Manufacturing Lens\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:40}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Retail and manufacturing may operate in different worlds, but they share a common challenge: how to deliver consistent, high-quality outcomes at scale. In manufacturing, structured approaches to flow, waste elimination, and capability building have long been the foundation of performance. These same principles can be adapted to address retail\u2019s most persistent issues:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Labour efficiency<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Optimising task productivity, sequencing, rostering, and team deployment.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Product availability<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Streamlining replenishment and shelf-filling processes.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Customer experience<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: Freeing up time for service by reducing operational friction.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"6\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Team engagement:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Building the skills, confidence and involvement of frontline teams, making stores not just more productive, but more rewarding places to work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" lang=\"EN-AU\" xml:lang=\"EN-AU\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">James Lee,<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">Leader of <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">Argon\u2019s <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">Lean Retail Service Offering\u202fadds:<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\"> \u201cHaving led the deployment of <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">integrated Lean Six Sigma <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">across the APAC regional supply chain at Mondelez, I <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">w<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">itnessed<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">first-hand how structured problem-solving and loss elimination can transform operational performance. <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">W<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">hat\u2019s<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">been equally rewarding in my <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">ongoing<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\"> work with Kmart is seeing just how transferable these lean principles are into retail operations, including stores. The fundamentals<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\"> &#8211; <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">building capability in teams to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">i<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">dentify<\/span> <span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">and solve problems at the root cause<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\"> &#8211; <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-parastyle=\"heading 4\">not only drive measurable improvements in cost, service, and execution, but also unlock a more engaged, empowered frontline workforce. When teams see that their ideas lead to real change, morale lifts, accountability grows, and a culture of continuous improvement starts to take hold.\u201d<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW136259251 BCX0\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:40}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"4\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Making Technical Tools Meaningful for Retail Leaders<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:40}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">One of the biggest barriers to transformation is language. Retail leaders don\u2019t think in terms of \u201cTPM pillars\u201d or \u201cOEE losses\u201d, they think in terms of sales, availability, shrinkage, service, and team performance. That\u2019s why we focus on translating proven tools into retail-relevant narratives:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Flow <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">becomes a way to improve daily rhythm and reduce bottlenecks, allowing a reduced time from the truck to the shelf<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">5S<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fbecomes a method for reclaiming space and improving back-of-house efficiency.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Visual management<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u202fbecomes a tool for empowering store leaders and frontline teams.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Daily management systems<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> become structured routines that help leaders stay close to the floor, drive accountability, and maintain focus on what matters most each day.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"5\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Waste and value-add thinking<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> becomes a lens for helping teams prioritise effort and eliminate unnecessary work.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"7\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"6\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Problem solving<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> becomes a practical method for engaging teams in identifying root causes and fixing recurring issues, not just symptoms.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By reframing these tools in the language of retail, we help leaders see how they can be applied and why they matter.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"4\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Capability Before Complexity<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:40}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Sustainable transformation isn\u2019t about installing new systems or launching one-off initiatives. It\u2019s about building the capability of your operations teams to improve every day. That\u2019s why we work shoulder-to-shoulder with store teams and area managers, coaching leaders on the floor and deeply embedding new ways of working.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Diogo Felisberto, Director at Kaizen Institute\u202fcomments: \u201cAny successful transformation starts with a burning platform set from the top. The challenge, however, is that leaders often struggle to bring their middle managers along on that journey. That\u2019s why we always begin with what we call &#8220;Learning to See&#8221; workshops \u2014 immersive sessions where Store Leaders (State, Area, and Store Managers) observe their own operations with their &#8220;waste goggles&#8221; on. This experience is often a turning point. What was previously accepted as &#8220;business as usual&#8221; starts to be recognised as opportunity. Once they see the waste, they can\u2019t unsee it \u2014 and that\u2019s when belief begins to take root. This is how we start building the energy and conviction needed for a successful transformation.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In one previous store optimisation engagement, a major retailer overhauled its store operating model. Starting with a single pilot, key processes were redesigned &#8211; replenishment, checkout, presentation, and service &#8211; and the new model was scaled across more than 200 stores in just over a year. The result was a measurable uplift in productivity, availability, and team engagement, including a 15% reduction in remuneration as a percentage of sales, a 20% improvement in On-Shelf Availability, and a 17% uplift in DIFOT for online fulfilment from stores.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"4\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Why Cross-Industry Thinking Works<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:40}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Retail doesn\u2019t need to reinvent the wheel. The tools that have transformed manufacturing, when adapted thoughtfully, can unlock similar gains in stores. That\u2019s where Argon &amp; Co brings a unique advantage. Our heritage in manufacturing transformation gives us a deep understanding of how to drive change at scale, align operations with strategy, build lasting capability, and make transformation stick.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Through our partnership with the Kaizen Institute, we\u2019ve deepened that capability even further, extending it all the way to the retail shop floor. Kaizen brings decades of experience in coaching frontline teams, embedding daily routines, and fostering a people-first approach to continuous improvement. Together, we combine strategic insight with hands-on operational coaching and ensure that change is not only delivered but sustained.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 aria-level=\"4\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Ready to Lead the Shift?<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134245418&quot;:true,&quot;134245529&quot;:true,&quot;335559738&quot;:80,&quot;335559739&quot;:40}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If you\u2019re a retail executive looking to reduce costs, improve availability, and elevate the customer experience, it\u2019s time to look beyond traditional retail playbooks.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;335559739&quot;:60}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">At Argon &amp; Co, we help retailers apply the discipline of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/services\/manufacturing\/\">manufacturing<\/a> to the complexity of modern retail. Let\u2019s talk about how we can help you lead the shift, from factory floor to shop floor: <a href=\"mailto:retail-and-ecommerce.australia@argonandco.com\">retail-and-ecommerce.australia@argonandco.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":34139,"template":"","categories":[],"region":[160,162,273],"class_list":["post-34101","article","type-article","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Lean Thinking Beyond the Factory: A New Standard for Retail Operations - Argon &amp; Co<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Lean Thinking Beyond the Factory: A New Standard for Retail Operations - Argon &amp; Co\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Retailers today are navigating a complex landscape. With rising wage pressures, shifting consumer expectations, and the growing demands of omnichannel fulfilment, the traditional levers of improvement are no longer enough. What\u2019s needed now is a step-change in how store operating models are designed, executed and sustained.\u00a0 Interestingly, some of the most effective solutions aren\u2019t new [&hellip;]\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Argon &amp; Co\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AdobeStock_1335077148-scaled.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2560\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1435\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Estimated reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/news-insights\\\/articles\\\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/news-insights\\\/articles\\\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\\\/\",\"name\":\"Lean Thinking Beyond the Factory: A New Standard for Retail Operations - Argon &amp; Co\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/news-insights\\\/articles\\\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/news-insights\\\/articles\\\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/AdobeStock_1335077148-scaled.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-23T23:39:24+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/news-insights\\\/articles\\\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/news-insights\\\/articles\\\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/news-insights\\\/articles\\\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/AdobeStock_1335077148-scaled.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/07\\\/AdobeStock_1335077148-scaled.jpeg\",\"width\":2560,\"height\":1435,\"caption\":\"IoT applications in retail, inventory management, consumer insights, data analytics, smart solutions --chaos 15 --ar 16:9 --style raw --stylize 250 --v 6.1 Job ID: 12e173e8-964d-402a-99e6-24bee507d676\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/news-insights\\\/articles\\\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Articles\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/news-insights\\\/articles\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Lean Thinking Beyond the Factory: A New Standard for Retail Operations\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/\",\"name\":\"Argon &amp; Co\",\"description\":\"We help clients achieve their strategic and operational objectives, working together to transform their businesses and generate real change.\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.argonandco.com\\\/en\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-GB\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Lean Thinking Beyond the Factory: A New Standard for Retail Operations - Argon &amp; Co","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Lean Thinking Beyond the Factory: A New Standard for Retail Operations - Argon &amp; Co","og_description":"Retailers today are navigating a complex landscape. With rising wage pressures, shifting consumer expectations, and the growing demands of omnichannel fulfilment, the traditional levers of improvement are no longer enough. What\u2019s needed now is a step-change in how store operating models are designed, executed and sustained.\u00a0 Interestingly, some of the most effective solutions aren\u2019t new [&hellip;]","og_url":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/","og_site_name":"Argon &amp; Co","og_image":[{"width":2560,"height":1435,"url":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AdobeStock_1335077148-scaled.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Estimated reading time":"5 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/","url":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/","name":"Lean Thinking Beyond the Factory: A New Standard for Retail Operations - Argon &amp; Co","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AdobeStock_1335077148-scaled.jpeg","datePublished":"2025-07-23T23:39:24+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AdobeStock_1335077148-scaled.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AdobeStock_1335077148-scaled.jpeg","width":2560,"height":1435,"caption":"IoT applications in retail, inventory management, consumer insights, data analytics, smart solutions --chaos 15 --ar 16:9 --style raw --stylize 250 --v 6.1 Job ID: 12e173e8-964d-402a-99e6-24bee507d676"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/lean-thinking-beyond-the-factory-a-new-standard-for-retail-operations\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Articles","item":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/news-insights\/articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Lean Thinking Beyond the Factory: A New Standard for Retail Operations"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/","name":"Argon &amp; Co","description":"We help clients achieve their strategic and operational objectives, working together to transform their businesses and generate real change.","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/34101","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/article"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/article\/34101\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/34139"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34101"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34101"},{"taxonomy":"region","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.argonandco.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/region?post=34101"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}