Lean Manufacturing Practices Implementation in Malaysian's SME Automotive Component Industry

Abstract

Due to global competition, automotive component industries are very keen to improve their manufacturing system as to fulfill car manufacturer demand. Currently, lean manufacturing (LM) system has become increasingly famous and popular among automotive component players. And, it was proven that lean manufacturing is the best manufacturing system in the 21st century. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the extent of 24 lean manufacturing practices implementation in SME. Secondly, to determine the possible barriers that could influence the process of lean manufacturing implementation. A survey questionnaire was developed to collect top and senior management judgement on 24 lean manufacturing practices and to rate the possible barriers during lean manufacturing implementation. Total completed questionnaires were 97 which represent 81.5% respond rate. The survey results show that a majority of respondents agreed and implementing extensively kaizen, 5S and standardization in their firms. Another finding was the four possible barriers that could influence the failure of lean manufacturing implementation which are employees resist to changes, unstable customer schedule, lack of knowledge and poor employee involvement.