ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is to reveal the significant effects of implementation of lean manufacturing practices (LMPS) in small-scale industry that deals in the manufacture of material handling components. Lean manufacturing (LM) is a widely recognized, versatile technology for the enhancement of manufacturing processes and improving productivity. In this investigation, the initiatives taken by an organization for converting to lean from learning are depicted. The tactical approach adopted by the organization to implement lean started with reviewing the existing process. Situation, actor and process (SAP) and learning, action and performance (LAP) were used to enhance the overall performance. By implementing on the shop floor of the organization, fewer rejections, savings in tools consumption, fewer breakdown hours and fewer customer complaints were recorded. This chapter is an example of how lean adoption with a piecemeal approach also produced significant results. This chapter depicts the real transformation of a material handling parts manufacturer by adopting a learning approach to partial lean industry within a period of 15–18 months. The study was limited to certain lean practices. Overall, firm performance can be enhanced by the application of value stream mapping (VSM), a powerful lean tool for refining existing processes and environmental management practices to enhance sustainability.
