Title: Impact of lean tools selection: a simulation study of two assessment approaches

Authors: Hung-da Wan; Saumya Tamma

Addresses: Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA ' Centre for Advanced Manufacturing and Lean Systems, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, One UTSA Circle, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA

Abstract: As lean becomes more popular in various industries, the amount of available lean tools also increases. Selecting appropriate tools to be implemented to the right place at the right time becomes a challenge. Several methods have been developed to help, including some assessment-based approaches and value stream mapping. Creating a good 'future state' map requires solid knowledge and experiences. While assessment tools are available for inexperienced users, they often rely on static models or roadmaps that may not suit a variety of systems. This paper investigates the impact of using different selection methods of lean tools in improvement projects. A simulation study based on a real manufacturing system has been conducted for the comparison of effectiveness of two assessment-based approaches. The results show that when lean tools are selected by an adaptive assessment approach, the improvement progresses better than using a static roadmap approach.

Keywords: lean assessment; roadmap; lean tools selection; discrete event simulation; analytical hierarchy process; AHP; lean manufacturing.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRAPIDM.2013.055952

International Journal of Rapid Manufacturing, 2013 Vol.3 No.4, pp.209 - 227

Received: 17 Mar 2012
Accepted: 05 Jun 2012

Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

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