Title: A framework model for lean tools selection for improving material flow using fuzzy TOPSIS

Authors: S. Muthu Baskaran; A.R. Lakshmanan

Addresses: Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641004, TN, India ' Department of Mechanical Engineering, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, 641004, TN, India

Abstract: Lean manufacturing is a world class manufacturing paradigm applied by the manufacturers to achieve manufacturing goals and to attract and retain their customers. Application of lean manufacturing lies in following the lean principles and lean tools selection. Even then, literature pointed out many challenges in selecting the right lean tools. In this work, lean tools are categorised with the help of a framework model for material flow. The developed framework model enlists place, man, machine, process and material as the factors which affect the material flow. The 25 lean tools were selected and ranked within its category using fuzzy TOPSIS, a multi-criteria decision making method under three criteria namely value creation, sustain flow and waste elimination. The three crtieria follow the lean manufacturing principles. This method will help the managers in applying the right lean tools according to their categorisation. The results of sensitivity analysis were found to be good.

Keywords: lean tools; lean criteria; material flow; multi-criteria decision making; MCDM; framework model; improving material flow; category; lean criteria; ranking of lean tools; fuzzy logic; fuzzy TOPSIS; sensitivity analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPQM.2019.100144

International Journal of Productivity and Quality Management, 2019 Vol.27 No.2, pp.196 - 228

Received: 05 Oct 2017
Accepted: 03 Jul 2018
Published online: 12 Jun 2019 *

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