Title: The impact of lean practices on workspace improvement: case study of a quality control laboratory in a pharmaceutical company

Authors: Fatima Ezzahra Cherqaoui; Saâd Lissane Elhaq

Addresses: Laboratory of Engineering Research, Higher National School of Electricity and Mechanics (ENSEM), Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco ' Laboratory of Engineering Research, Higher National School of Electricity and Mechanics (ENSEM), Hassan II University, Casablanca, Morocco

Abstract: Performance improvement can be done in several ways. Each firm attempts to utilise suitable practices based on its activity and workplace. This paper aims to demonstrate the impact of lean tools on performance improvement. The improvements achieved are indicated through a case study in a quality control laboratory of a Moroccan pharmaceutical company. The elimination of irritants was carried out by following some well-defined steps. The approach used describes the implementation stages and the benefits of lean practices through a comparative study of the workplace before and after the implementation. The benefits are also indicated through a spaghetti diagram, which shows the arrangement of the workshop before and after the implemented changes. The findings reveal the impact of process reengineering steps and the benefits of lean practices on workspace improvement through gains in both space and time. Some other organisational challenges, especially those related to motion wastes, were also solved.

Keywords: pharmaceutical industry; lean tools; 5S; cellular layout; process reengineering; Moroccan firm.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2022.127923

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2022 Vol.43 No.4, pp.484 - 500

Received: 16 Mar 2020
Accepted: 07 Nov 2020
Published online: 22 Dec 2022 *

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