Lean manufacturing implementation : a perspective on key success factors.

Abstract

The interest on lean production is mostly based on the empirical evidence that it improves the company’s competitiveness. However, the implementation of lean manufacturing harbours enormous difficulties due to a broad-spectrum of variables, compounded by lack of standardised mechanisms within organisations of analysis and measure of value-adding capabilities. The purpose of this study was to understand from both a management and employees’ perspective, the relative importance of key success factors, specifically training, for successful implementation of the lean principles and to understand the impact of training on employees perceptions of the lean programme. A quantitative research methodology was conducted in a packaging manufacturing company and data, collected using a questionnaire from a sample size of 54 employees, was analysed using SPSS software. Employees were found to have developed good perceptions about the impact that training had in their own jobs and also perceived that the lean program overall added value in their organisation. Employees considered training and management commitment as the most critical factors for a successful lean implementation. For lean implementation to be successful employees must be given training that is relevant to their work and senior management of the organisation must show (display) commitment towards the lean program being implemented by making necessary resources (time, funds ) available for lean activities.