Back in June, Machiel Tesser co-authored and published a book entitled Lean Blockchain Systems Thinking: Reinventing Value Streams with John Dennis. This book shows that blockchain, together with Lean and Systems Thinking, can provide multiple advantages for societies and the environment and can be used effectively to meet sustainable development goals (SDGs).
When I spoke with Machiel in July, I asked him: “What are the benefits of combining Lean, Blockchain, and Systems Thinking?" Here is his complete answer:
Blockchain and Lean: Building the Lean Internet
Blockchain and Lean are a match made for the modern era, creating a Lean Internet. Where Lean empowers us to eliminate waste and streamline value, blockchain goes a step further: it prevents waste before it even arises.
Lean lays out the philosophy and methodology, while blockchain delivers the digital toolkit: digital identities, verifiable credentials, automated rules, workflows, and consensus on standards. This makes processes instantly verifiable, compliant with regulations, and building blocks for an intention economy.
What was once theoretical is now tangible: in the U.S., the GENIUS Act is shaping a robust framework for stablecoin issuance and programmable finance. In the EU, MiCA and eIDAS 2 have come into full force (since December 2024), providing regulatory guardrails for digital assets and trusted digital identities.
Now, blockchain and crypto aren’t speculation or hype; they’re legally programmable and digitally enforceable.
Lean workflows in Real-Time
Workflows become pull-based and real-time, backed by quality proofs from the source, just like Lean Kanban: only what’s needed, when it’s needed. Smart contracts automate verification and trigger actions instantly, eliminating manual or paper processes, reducing errors, carbon emissions, and admin overhead.
Continuous, Network-Wide Improvement
Direct feedback loops and transparency cultivate a shared understanding of the network’s intent. It brings stakeholders onto the same page who are willing to improve the system rather than just their own parts.
Identifying and solving problems together aligns perfectly with the continuous improvement ethos of Lean. By making performance and objectives visible, stakeholders can respond quickly and collaboratively, making progress proactive rather than reactive.
By targeting root causes, not just symptoms, and listening to every voice across the network, this approach shifts us from reactive fixes to proactive systems design. It’s an inclusive, holistic transformation: the true promise of a Lean, a programmable internet, reinventing value streams.
Do you agree with Machiel's perspective? Has blockchain been integrated into your Lean initiative? If so, what have been the results?
No comments:
Post a Comment