Title: Challenges and opportunities in a lean automation model implementation: characterising micro, small and medium-sized enterprises of developing countries

Authors: Daniel Alexandre Morelli; Pedro Henrique Ribeiro Botene; Gabriella Carlucci Tavares Colombo; Giovana Catussi Paschoalotto; Paulo Sergio de Arruda Ignacio; Anibal Tavares de Azevedo; Antônio Carlos Pacagnella Júnior; Alessandro Lucas da Silva

Addresses: Industrial Engineering Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Limeira SP, Brazil ' Industrial Engineering Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Limeira SP, Brazil ' Industrial Engineering Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Limeira SP, Brazil ' Industrial Engineering Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Limeira SP, Brazil ' Industrial Engineering Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Limeira SP, Brazil ' Industrial Engineering Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Limeira SP, Brazil ' Industrial Engineering Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Limeira SP, Brazil ' Industrial Engineering Research Centre, School of Applied Sciences, University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Limeira SP, Brazil

Abstract: The approach that associates innovative Industry 4.0 technologies with lean production principles is called lean automation (LA). This paper aims to explore LA models, investigating challenges and opportunities to their practical application in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Brazil, contributing to technological development in emerging countries. As such, this article mapped the main combinations of Industry 4.0 and Lean principles, structured a conceptual just-in-time (JIT) delivery model, and characterised the conditions of MSMEs of emerging countries in relation to LA standards. The data collection was generated through a survey, and its analysis was performed using the Promethee-Gaia method. The results allowed us to compare different sectors, revealing their strengths and weaknesses. This study verified that business segments with the worst LA adherences presented low rates in concepts such as: 'planning and scheduling', 'pull-system', 'lot size reductions' and 'cyber security'. We organised a feasible three-steps roadmap for the LA implementation.

Keywords: lean automation; Industry 4.0; I4.0; lean production systems; LPS; just-in-time; JIT; delivery; micro small and medium-sized enterprises; MSMEs; developing countries; survey; Promethee.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSOM.2024.140421

International Journal of Services and Operations Management, 2024 Vol.48 No.4, pp.481 - 510

Received: 21 Jun 2022
Accepted: 24 Jun 2022
Published online: 08 Aug 2024 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article