A proposed dynamic model for a lean roadmap

Lean manufacturing is an integrated socio-technical system. Its main objectives are to eliminate waste and reduce the variability of suppliers, customers, and internal resources and processes. A “lean” roadmap guides the transition from an existing operation to one that fully implements a “lean” philosophy and its best practices. In this study a comparative literature review showed that there is no standard model in use for implementing “lean”. Existing research indicates that there are 3 phases that incorporate 22 steps to “leanness” and the following “lean” steps are frequently cited: pilot project, planning, objectives, training, and value stream mapping. Based on the findings, a dynamic model for a “lean” roadmap was proposed to account for the dynamic conditions of a high variability environment.