The document aims to show the relevance of Lean Manufacturing philosophy and to present its concepts and tools. The paper begins with a historical perspective, which allows placing this concept in the global reality that strengthens its application. Then, it continues presenting and explaining its fundamental objectives (reduce or eliminate waste, streamline the use of human, material and financial resources used in production processes, and eliminate operations that do not add value to the product), describing its principles and, supported by real cases, its advantages and limitations.