Implementation of Lean methods on a daily basis by small and medium sized manufacturers

Abstract

Amount of manufacturing SMEs is increasing and their contribution to the economy is significant. In order to increase their productivity, manufacturing SMEs implement lean methods on a daily basis. Based on the lean methods theories which is originally from the manufacturing company in Japan, this thesis aims to investigate the implementation of lean methods in small and medium size manufacturing enterprises through three interview companies and a case company in Sweden. The study refers to lean method, lean activities, small and medium sized manufacturers, implementing preferences, challenges and advantages. The data is collected with three interviews and one single case study of Swedish companies in Gothenburg. The results explained two discussion points. Initially the most frequently applied lean activities in SMEs under current situation and secondly the reasons that SMEs are implementing lean methods. The most utilized lean methods are waste eliminating and error detection, while the least easily utilized ones are visual factory which call more for money and technology investment for SMEs. SMEs would benefit from the successful implementation of lean methods in different stages of lean methods to achieve their expected outcomes. Furthermore, on ground of the delimitations and relevant findings from this thesis, some recommendations to explore the implementation of lean methods in more comprehensive industries and business sizes are put forward.