Introduction of Lean Thinking by Russian Manufacturing Enterprises: Challenges and Prospects

Abstract

AbstractThe concept of lean production appeared in the 1940s of the XX century, the term itself appeared much later in 1988 and began to be introduced into the theory and practice of Russian enterprises in 2003. The crisis in economic development, accompanied by a record decline in the price of Brent crude oil in March 2020, affected the activities of enterprises producing machinery and equipment for mining. An urgent problem for organizations engaged in this type of economic activity is to increase productivity, as well as reduce costs, restoring order and organization in the workplace, which requires the use of effective methods. The application of lean manufacturing concept and one of its main tools—the 5S system—helps improve productivity. However, there are challenges associated with the implementation of the concept that need to be addressed in order to achieve sustainable results. Given that the 5S method is aimed at ensuring order in the arrangement of resources, reducing the degree of faulty work, improving the comfort of staff work and rationalizing the work flow, there is a need for quantitative measurement of performance indicators for implementing this system. Moreover, these indicators are specific for enterprises that produce machinery and equipment for mining. Quantitative assessment, identification of factors that hinder the implementation of the concept of lean production, and their degree of influence contributed to the creation of a model for implementing lean thinking.Keywords5S systemLean productionLean thinkingMining machinery and equipment manufacturing enterprise