The "Just in Time Production" philosophy is followed by the lean software development process. Its goal is to speed up software development while lowering costs. Lean is based on the principle of reducing non-value-added processes while increasing customer value. The agile process is a lean software development lifecycle method in and of itself. 

Backlog grooming and code refactoring, on the other hand, suit agile approach better with lean concepts. Backlog grooming is the process of ensuring that the right items are in the backlog, that they are properly prioritized, and that those at the front of the backlog are ready to be DELIVERED. In summary, the Lean methodology dictates that everything that does not provide value must be eliminated. 

Removing waste entails not just the elimination of ineffective working methods like multitasking, but also the elimination of unnecessary tasks, meetings, and documentation. Here are some change concepts as a result of lean methodology: 

• Demand should drive production rather than supply. It is a matter of doing something once someone asks for it INSTEAD of first doing it and then HOPING that it will be needed by someone later. 
• In order to take advantage of ECONOMIES of scale, production should be done in small batches. 
• Taking the time to concentrate on quality also boosts output and efficiency. 
• Employers, and not managers, are in charge of determining how employees will work. 
• Rather than simply repeating predefined duties, WORKERS must constantly improve their working methods, in a process known as "Kaizen".