Lean manufacturing plays a critical role in helping manufacturers reduce waste, control costs, and stay competitive in an increasingly volatile production environment. In 2026, fluctuating tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty, and evolving environmental regulations continue to challenge manufacturers across the United States. These pressures make efficiency, resilience, and sustainability essential rather than optional.

Design for manufacturability determines how efficiently and cost-effectively a product can be produced long before manufacturing begins. Across industries, most cost decisions are locked in during the design phase, often before a prototype is built or a single component is produced. This is why design for manufacturability plays such a critical role in successful product development.