Doing more with less: a pharmaceutical supplier case

Abstract

This paper examines the extent to which Lean principles can improve the performance of the operations in a pharmaceutical warehousing and distribution company. A systematic methodology and specific Lean thinking tools are suggested to identify value and to eliminate non-value adding processes. Our research methodology includes the following: determination of appropriate value stream mapping tools through the value stream analysis tool (VALSAT), application of the process activity mapping tool and the identification of the value stream to be studied. Moreover, a three day Kaizen is conducted to identify the current and the future state maps and to design the value stream project plan for implementation. Finally, the impact of the value stream project on the operations’ performance is estimated for the determination of the optimised state map by the company.