Lean Implementation Frameworks:The Challenges for SMEs

Abstract

Implementation of lean manufacturing in any type of organizations can bring many benefits, such as reducing waste and improving operating efficiency. However, lean implementation is not a straightforward process. Although a number of frameworks have been presented, still many companies find it difficult to implement lean. Furthermore, most of these roadmaps are for large manufacturing companies, and not for small and medium enterprises. Unfortunately, there is not a recipe that if used can guarantee a successful implementation. Furthermore, unsuccessful implementation can have a great impact on organization's resources, but even more importantly, affect employees and their confidence in lean philosophy. In the present paper, the most prominent lean implementation frameworks will be discussed, under the prism of the needs of SMEs. The challenges for the SMEs in their lean journey are discussed.

Publication DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2017.03.170
Divisions: College of Engineering & Physical Sciences
Aston University (General)
Additional Information: © 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
Uncontrolled Keywords: framework,lean implementation,Lean management,Control and Systems Engineering,Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Publication ISSN: 2212-8271
Last Modified: 27 Nov 2024 08:11
Date Deposited: 15 Jan 2018 08:50
Full Text Link:
Related URLs: http://www.scop ... tnerID=8YFLogxK (Scopus URL)
PURE Output Type: Article
Published Date: 2017-07-11
Published Online Date: 2017-07-11
Accepted Date: 2017-03-31
Authors: Almanei, Mohammed
Salonitis, Konstantinos
Xu, Yuchun (ORCID Profile 0000-0001-6388-813X)

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