APPLICATION OF LEAN TOOLS CASE STUDY IN A TEXTILE COMPANY

Abstract

In the Portuguese textile sector, the flexibilization of production activities has become imperative for the adequacy of the response to the progressive increasing complexity of orders for small and highly dispersed lots. Flexibility in production on a case-by-case basis may jeopardize the productivity and competitiveness of businesses. Maximizing productive efficiency by rationalizing resources is at the heart of Lean thinking, which contributes to the definition of business strategies focused on the flow of value to the customer. One of its main objectives is the implementation of continuous improvement, promoting the reduction of costs and waste, while processes are improved and customer satisfaction is increased, thereby increasing income. This paper focuses on a case study, exploring the implementation of Lean tools in a medium-sized textile company. Results show the importance of this methodology in the pursuit for continuous improvement, in the development of organizational communication, as well as in the company productivity.