Title: Lead time reduction on outbound logistics applying lean thinking modelling - railway case

Authors: Marcio Pedroso Bastos; Caique Pereira de Almeida; Andrei Bonamigo

Addresses: Department of Production Engineering, School of Industrial, Metallurgical Engineering at Volta Redonda – EEIMVR, Fluminense Federal University, Volta Redonda, RJ, Brazil ' Department of Production Engineering, School of Industrial, Metallurgical Engineering at Volta Redonda – EEIMVR, Fluminense Federal University, Volta Redonda, RJ, Brazil ' Department of Production Engineering, School of Industrial, Metallurgical Engineering at Volta Redonda – EEIMVR, Fluminense Federal University, Volta Redonda, RJ, Brazil

Abstract: Lean culture improves the performance of processes by eliminating waste at different stages. The present study analysed a multimodal logistics process, searching for its inefficiencies, through a lean thinking standpoint aiming to reduce the lead time of steel product transport, with a focus on the railway mode. Traditional quality tools were used in a practical approach to help find the highest impact issues to be considered to improve efficiency. The future results were simulated to improve assertiveness and confidence in implementing new solutions, demonstrating that quality tools combined with lean thinking can improve processes, reducing the operational lead time, contributing on cost and atmospheric emissions reductions due to a more rational operational design.

Keywords: lead time reduction; outbound logistics; lean thinking; railway; modelling; simulations; cost and emissions reduction.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2026.154930

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2026 Vol.54 No.3, pp.368 - 383

Received: 07 Dec 2022
Accepted: 22 Dec 2023
Published online: 20 Jul 2026 *

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