3.0 Material Efficiency - Applying the KeysWhen exploring the 20 keys to workplace solutions, efficiency is linked to the following three keys : Key 19: Conserve Energy – Conserve Energy and MaterialsKey 12: Develop Suppliers – Develop Your SuppliersKey 4: Reduce Inventories – Reduce Inventories3.1 Save EnergyConserving energy and materials is a essential element for the proper functioning of a business. There are many different ways to achieve this, to the benefit of both suppliers and consumers. Energy conservation not only refers to the actual production of fuel required to make a product, but also refers to the time and effort expended by everyone involved to produce the product. One of the most important and effective ways to save energy is to reduce the amount of waste. “Waste is defined as any non-value added activity or process, for which the customer would not be happy to pay. For example, the customer would not expect to pay for your company's storage space used to store unnecessary levels of in-process inventory. (http://www.businessengineering.co.nz/lpidetail.html) Conservation of materials is also important. Materials include products on hand and products needed to facilitate production or assembly. “Resource efficiency means the most basic of using resources such as water, energy and even your workforce more efficiently. Make the most of what you have. This can be beneficial in many ways, including reducing the amount of materials used and/or manufacturing costs, reducing waste and complying with environmental legislation. It also reduces your impact on the environment. (http://www.businessballs.com/environmentalmanagement.htm) Based on energy and re...... middle of paper ......n_philosophy/toyotajidoka.htmVorne (nd). Tools to monitor and improve manufacturing productivity (OEE, Lean, etc.). Retrieved March 3, 2014 from http://www.vorne.com20 Keys management system (nd) Retrieved February 20, 2014 from http://www.proera.md/consulting/consulting_services/20keys/index.html FIGURES Figure 1 shows The concept of Peter Drucker's five-step MBO process. Figure 2 illustrates the different approaches used in problem solving. (DCMIC, nd) Figure 3 presents ten principles of employee empowerment. (McMahon, 2013)Figure 4 Negative Business Affect (A View of Facilities Reduction Systems, 2014)Figure 5 5S-PLUS STAR (US EPA, 2013)Figure 6 Andon Machinery Control Systems (McMahon, 2013)Figure 7 Andon Machine Control Systems (McMahon, 2013) McMahon, 2013) Figure 8: Keys to Improving Workplace Solutions (Richardson, 2014)