Title: Main enablers and factors for successful implementation of lean in product-service systems

Authors: Moustafa Elnadi; Essam Shehab

Addresses: Manufacturing Department, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK ' Manufacturing Department, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, Cranfield University, Cranfield, Bedfordshire, MK43 0AL, UK

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to present the main enablers and factors that are considered to be important for the successful implementation of lean practices in product-service systems (PSS). A combination of research methodology approaches have been used in this research. Starting from literature review to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) for lean implementation in both the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors. This was followed by interviewing the relevant key managers working in six UK manufacturing companies that successfully implement lean practices in the service offering process. Finally, results obtained were validated via workshops in the target companies. Five main enablers and 33 factors emerging from the main enablers are considered to be vital for the successful application of lean in PSS. The main enablers are management status, work process, customers' relationship, employees' status and finally, suppliers' relationship. Very little research has been conducted relating to the implementation of lean practices in PSS. This paper reports the first study that examines the factors determining the successful implementation of lean practices in PSS.

Keywords: lean implementation; product-service systems; PSS; enablers; critical success factors; CSFs; manufacturing industry; lean manufacturing; UK; United Kingdom; services; management status; work process; customer relationship; employee status; supplier relationship.

DOI: 10.1504/IJASM.2015.073542

International Journal of Agile Systems and Management, 2015 Vol.8 No.3/4, pp.332 - 354

Received: 02 Dec 2014
Accepted: 11 Jul 2015

Published online: 11 Dec 2015 *

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