Lean Implementation Benefits for the Pharmaceutical Company - From Project to Implementation

Abstract

The primary purpose of this paper is to identify the benefits of LEAN methods implementation for the pharmaceutical company from theoretical and practical points of view. The methodology employed in this study is a qualitative content analysis with open coding of the selected literature followed by identifying a consensus view across employees using the Delphi method. The research started as a study project and has identified several LEAN implementation benefits, such as reduced losses, improved document, and systems effectiveness, improved processes, and reduced manufacturing errors. The selected LEAN methods were applied, and immediate improvements were demonstrated. The study results are based on the employees' opinions and the practical application of LEAN methods in only one pharmaceutical company. This study could be beneficial for the top and middle-level pharmaceutical company managers considering improving their operational activities by applying LEAN methods. This paper identifies the benefits of LEAN methods implementation considering the specifics of pharmaceutical manufacturing. The study also demonstrates how the theoretical findings can be applied in a real manufacturing environment.