Title: In-plant lean logistics management: case study on Chinese automotive practices

Authors: A.S. Balakrishnan; Jayshree Suresh; Mengying Feng

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering and Technology, School of Management, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur – 603203, Tamil Nadu, India ' Loyola Institute of Business Administration, 1, Sterling Road, Nungambakkam, Chennai – 600 034, Tamil Nadu, India ' School of Management, Chongqing Jiao Tong University, 66, Xuefu Road, Nan'an District, Chongqing – 400074, China

Abstract: Chinese automotive firms, drive standardisation and continuous improvement in their operations to stay competitive in business. To achieve profitable results, the firms deployed in-plant lean logistics management to optimise the inventory level, flow of materials, components and sub-assemblies to produce the finished vehicles. The purpose of this paper is, to report in-plant logistics management of a Chinese automotive firm and its impact on improved operations performance. It also exhibits the use of mixed model vehicle assemblies, to achieve no part stock-out situation. It is evident from this study that lean techniques are able to increase organisation efficiency through waste reduction and improve fitness. This qualitative research is done by: 1) visit to the firm; 2) detailed observations; 3) using questionnaire and interviews of employees and third-party logistics (3PL) suppliers. For in-plant logistics performance, the study also suggests improving the standardisation and material movements across warehousing facilities and vehicle assembly plants.

Keywords: lean techniques; in-plant logistics; automotive; China.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2021.120491

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2021 Vol.40 No.4, pp.466 - 488

Received: 29 Jun 2019
Accepted: 01 Nov 2019
Published online: 24 Jan 2022 *

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