SAE J4000 is a tool to identify and measure best practice in the implementation of lean operation in a manufacturing organization. Implementation of lean operation is defined as the process of eliminating waste exhibited in an organization's value stream. Best practice in this process is Level 3 conduct as described in the standard's component statements. A description of the levels of implementation is:

A procedure for evaluation and scoring of each component will be included in the SAE J4001 Implementation of Lean Operation User Manual.