Lean Maturity Assessment in ETO Scenario

Mariastella Chiera,Michele Lanzetta,Andrea Rossi,Francesco Lupi

doi:10.3390/app11093833

Abstract

The obligatory path towards a lean manufacturing organization requires assessment and monitoring. However, a lean assessment framework is not yet available for the engineer to order (ETO) scenario. This work explored ten lean ETO maturity principles—identified from the literature—that take insight from three formally defined sets (Toyota Way, lean construction, and lean product development principles). A practical assessment model was proposed based on the evaluation of ten lean ETO objective criteria (four with mathematical formulation) and was validated on a real industrial case. A problem-solving tool, including a new lean tool, called the Problem Focus Matrix (PFM), was also presented; this tool was aimed toward development of an integrated framework that would include the organization mission, management, and continuous improvement.

Highlights

The management of the real engineer to order (ETO) industrial company involved in this project identified the priority of investing in the weakest principle, as determined by the analysis in Table 3: continuous improvement
The presented model is a systematic and -implemented tool for ETO companies wishing to move toward lean manufacturing
The assessment model presented in this work offered an overall view of lean maturity in an ETO scenario

Summary

Introduction

This work proposes a theoretical lean maturity assessment model, along with its application to a real case study, in the specific context of engineer to order (ETO). ETO is presented in Sections 1.1 and 1.2, respectively. The relevant literature on both is reported, focusing on the ETO lean maturity assessment. A problem-solving approach based on the evidence, which emerged in the application of the model, is presented.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion