Human-centred Model for Application of Lean Production Systems in Networks

Abstract

In spite of acceptable achievements of application of lean production in and between many companies the durable success still falls short of expectations. Even 20 years after the first lean wave, companies could not achieve the same efficiency like Toyota. Regarding the application of lean methods and tools between companies in networks the situation is even worse. Our research shows that this is mainly caused by two aspects. On the one hand the shop floor and especially the employees are not considered acceptably. On the other hand there is a common dissatisfaction regarding mere technical implementation concepts. According to this we present in our paper a new model for the holistic implementation of lean production focusing on soft factors which enables the effective and sustainable application of lean production especially in networks. This will enhance the sustainable effectiveness of the interlinked production processes on the one hand and those of each network partner along the value chain on the other hand, and will enable the application of Lean Production Systems (LPS) in terms of its original understanding.