Lean Supply Chain Research Articles

Dampak Supply Chain dalam Menghubungkan Inovasi dan Kinerja Bisnis Kedai Kopi di Kabupaten Aceh Barat

Coffee shops in West Aceh Regency have grown rapidly from the city centre and spread to the coast. But in reality, many coffee shops in West Aceh Regency also have low operational performance, so they experience business failure (bankruptcy). Because West Aceh Regency does not cultivate coffee plants, the coffee supply chain in the coffee shop industry depends on the supply of raw materials from other areas. This study aims to identify and evaluate the adaptability and competence of coffee shop business players. This research is crucial because it relates to supply chain strategies that may seize opportunities and adapt to changing market situations. This research topic is relatively new because research that discusses the effect of Supply chain strategies in mediating innovation and business performance in MSMEs is still lacking. Previous research was mainly researched from the perspective of consumers, so this study was reviewed from the perspective of entrepreneurs. This quantitative research with SEM PLS analysis was conducted in West Aceh Regency. The sample size was 60 respondents, namely coffee shop business actors spread across six sub-districts in West Aceh Regency. The findings demonstrated a strong direct correlation between innovation factors and the success of coffee shops in the West Aceh Regency. However, innovation has no indirect impact on business performance when lean supply chain factors are used as a mediator. However, when supply chain mediation is used, there is a sizable indirect impact of innovation on corporate success. Given how competitive the coffee industry is becoming in West Aceh Regency, this research is anticipated to advance knowledge significantly and offer insight into creating supply chain strategies and innovation. Moreover, this study might be used as a guide for future supply chain-related investigations.

Sustainable Manufacturing Supply Chain Performance Enhancement through Technology Utilization and Process Innovation in Industry 4.0: A SEM-PLS Approach

The fourth industrial revolution brought a paradigm shift in the present manufacturing system and its supply chain management (SCM). The evolution of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) brought several disruptive technologies like cloud computing (CC), blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), cyber-physical systems (CPS), etc. These disruptive technologies have changed the face of the modern manufacturing system and its manufacturing supply chain (SC). Several changes in manufacturing in terms of lead time, cost reduction, agility, flexibility, and response to market sensitivity are seen in almost all types of manufacturing. I4.0’s disruptive technologies influence lean SC, agile SC, leagile SC, and green SC. The current study examines how I4.0 technologies affect society on such supply chains (SCs), which leads to enhanced performance of the manufacturing SC. The effect of process innovation (PI) resulting from I4.0 innovations is also investigated. SEM-PLS-based modeling is constructed based on 195 responses received from manufacturing enterprises implementing various SC practices in managing their manufacturing SCs. The findings demonstrate a favorable correlation between I4.0 technology and the enhancement of various SCs. The result also revealed that there is a positive impact of I4.0 technologies on PI, which leads to manufacturing SC performance improvements.

The Impact of Supply Chain Strategies on Logistics Performance: A Study in the Post Covid-19 Pandemic Period

The whole world passed a pandemic that affected working conditions and so lead to uncertainities and disruptions in supply chains. Nowadays during the post pandemic period (2021-2022), some industries slowed down significantly, while some sectors moved up. In this period, logistics performance gains more importance and the implemented supply chain strategy plays a significant role for companies. Therefore, the study's objective is to determine the impact of supply chain strategies on logistics performance in production companies operating in Gaziantep industrial zone. The covid-19 pandemic brought a lot of uncertainties to all industries which caused supply chain disruptions. These disruptions could be controlled with lean supply chain (LSC) and agile supply chain (ASC) strategies which are also considered as independent variables of this study. Logistics performances that are expected to be affected by these two supply chain strategies are considered in four dimensions such as quality, flexibility, cost, and speed and reliability. Data were collected from 154 businesses by surveys and analyzes were made. The results of the analysis showed that an ASC strategy affects all logistics performance dimensions (quality, flexibility, cost, and speed and reliability). But the LSC strategy did not affect any of these dimensions. It has been concluded that manufacturers should adopt an ASC strategy, which aims to respond more quickly to environmental changes, instead of a LSC strategy, in order to achieve higher logistics performance during periods of intense supply chain disruptions and uncertainties, such as after the post Covid-19 pandemic.

Agility Evaluation of Rail Transit Equipment Supply Chain Based on Fuzzy Hierarchy Theory

<p>Under the economic globalization, the competition between the enterprises has evolved into the competition between the supply- chains. In this situation, the agile supply-chain is more competitive than the lean supply-chain. This article is about a new method to evaluate the agility of supply-chain, which is combined with the fuzzy logic and analytic hierarchy process. This method can not only evaluate the agility of supply-chain, but also find the weakness and urgentimprovement direction of agile supply-chain through the result analysis, which provides a theoretical basis for the optimization and development of supply-chain.</p>

Mapping the terrain for the Lean Supply Chain 4.0

PurposeThis study aims to carry out a systematic literature review (SLR) on the integration of Lean, Industry 4.0 and the supply chain or the Lean Supply Chain (LSC) 4.0. The research analyses the current research on the LSC 4.0 concept in an increasingly digitalised world. The authors present the benefits, motivations, critical success factors and challenges of integrating the LSC with Industry 4.0 technologies within this emerging area of research.Design/methodology/approachAn SLR is carried out on how Lean can be integrated with Supply Chain 4.0. Using the search strings of “Lean Supply Chain 4.0,” “Lean Supply Chain Management 4.0” and “Lean Supply Chain Digitalisation,” a review of published literature was carried out via searches on academic databases.FindingsIndustry 4.0 has a synergistic effect on the LSC and, depending on the technology and sector applied in, can complement and enhance the LSC. Similarly, the LSC is a precursor for digitalisation. There are considerable implications in the LSC 4.0 for green and sustainable processes.Practical implicationsOrganisations can use this study to understand what the LSC 4.0 means to industry, the benefits and motivating factors for implementation, the critical success factors (CSFs) to implementation and the challenges for implementation.Originality/valueThis study adds to state of the art around the LSC 4.0 and future directions in this nascent research area. This study will aid organisations in understanding how Lean, supply chain management and Industry 4.0 can be integrated.

Assessing the lean-green practices in the automotive industry: Perspectives from academia and industry

Since the emergence of rising environmental issues, firms urgently require a supply chain strategy that will allow them to compete effectively in the marketplace. Implementing lean and green supply chain management strategies have been recommended to achieve sustainability and competitiveness. Yet, there is some ambiguity about how these practices must interact with one another. While lean practices have been around for a while and are widely adopted by businesses, the green movement is still evolving in the supply chains for most industries. This paper aims to identify the most important lean-green practices in supply chain management and their relative importance to firms’ sustainable performance in automotive industry context using Best Worst Method. The results reveal that green related practices are the most important to achieve environmental, economic, and social performance respectively. Whereas most lean practices remain the least important. As mentioned by the results three green practices, namely Environmental Management System (EMS), Green Purchasing (GP), and Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R), are the most important, while Small Lot Sizing (SLZ) is the least important lean practice. These practices contribute to the improvement of environmental, economic, and social performance respectively. The findings of this research offer a theoretical and empirical roadmap for decision makers seeking to identify key practices that are most likely to contribute to improving various aspects of sustainable performance in automotive context.

The influence of sustainable supply chain management practices on financial sustainability of food processing SMEs

PurposeThe importance of sustainable supply chain management practices (SSCMPs) in the financial performance of firms is increasing significantly. However, the influence of SSCMPs on financial performance can vary across sectors and contexts. This research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the influence of SSCMPs on the financial sustainability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the food processing industry. For this, the influence of sustainable environment practices, customer and supplier relationships, social SCMPs and lean supply chain on the financial sustainability of food processing SMEs is studied.Design/methodology/approachA questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data from 56 food processing SMEs in Mbeya, Tanzania. The study employed a cross-sectional research design and a census approach to capture data from all eligible SMEs in the target population. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and multiple linear regression (MLR) were utilized as the primary data analysis techniques.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed a positive and significant influence of various SSCMPs on the financial sustainability of food processing SMEs. Specifically, sustainable environment management practices (β = 0.147, p = 0.000), supplier relationship management (SRM) (β = 0.715, p = 0.001), customer relationship management (CRM) (β = 0.894, p = 0.016), social SCMP (β = 0.901, p = 0.005) and lean supply chain practices (β = 0.675, p = 0.003) were all found to have a significant effect on the financial sustainability of the surveyed food processing SMEs.Practical implicationsThe study recommends the need to plan and integrate SSCMPs in firms’ operation processes, promote collaboration and networking and offer capacity-building initiatives that equip food processing SMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement SSCMPs effectively. These will nurture effective adoption of SSCMP, leading to improved operations, environmental performance, financial sustainability and long-term viability of the sector.Originality/valueWhile SSCMPs have gained attention in the literature, the specific focus on its impact on financial sustainability in the context of food processing SMEs adds originality to this research. Industry stakeholders and policymakers can utilize the findings of this study to develop supportive policies and programs that promote sustainable supply chain practices and enhance financial sustainability in the food processing sector.

Rationalizing the Lean and Agile Operations to Improve Cost Efficiency: An Approach to Reliability

The combination of lean and agile approaches offers a powerful strategy for organizations seeking to improve cost efficiency and reliability simultaneously. Lean operations provide a solid foundation by optimizing processes and reducing waste, enabling cost savings. Agile methodologies build upon this foundation by enabling organizations to adapt quickly to market changes and customer preferences, ensuring high reliability through continuous feedback and course corrections. In order to explore comprehensively, this study was aimed to investigate the lean and agile operations impact on improving cost efficiency and assessing the reliability in manufacturing industry. Further, this study looked at and analysed the most recent research on using lean and agile supply chains to identify and address various outcomes to be utilized to improve cost efficiency

Identification and Prioritization of Green Lean Supply Chain Management Factors Using Fuzzy DEMATEL

Green–lean supply chain management (GLSCM) refers to strategically adopting and coordinating environmentally sustainable practices and lean concepts in supply chain operations. A considerable set of factors needs to be identified to implement GLSCM successfully. This study examined the factors influencing green lean supply chain management implementation in the Readymade Garments Industries of Bangladesh through a literature review and discussions with field experts. The fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (fuzzy DEMATEL) approach is employed to analyze these factors to implement GLSCM effectively. This research identifies capacity utilization, green purchasing, and demand variation as the most influential factors in GLSCM, while quality improvement and the Kanban system are considered the least important factors. This study explored categorizing factors into the cause-and-effect group, the degree of interaction, and the interrelationship of the factors under consideration. The findings of this study may help managers develop an effective GLSCM system, hence increasing an organization’s total profitability.

Lean Supply Chain Practices and the Performance of Kassmatt Supermarkets Limited

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of lean supply chain practices on the performance of Kassmatt Supermarket Limited.
 Methodology: A descriptive research design was used for the investigation. The study targeted 180 employees from Kassmatt supermarket limited. The sample size of the study was 124 respondents. The researcher utilized self-administered questionnaires to collect primary data with the aid of the drop and pick method. The pilot study utilized 10 percent of the actual sample size, which was equal to 12 participants. The data obtained from the questionnaires was analyzed using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 28. The study employed percentages, frequencies, means and standard deviations to analyze descriptive research. Inferential analysis was also done. Tables were used to present findings. Finally, multiple regression model was fitted into the study.
 Results: The findings revealed a positive significant relationship between lean supply chain practices in the elements of demand management, process standardization, lean customer practice, lean transport [predictor variables] and performance of Kassmatt Supermarkets Ltd. The study concluded that Kassmatt had implemented the aforementioned lean supply chain practices with the aim of improving its firm performance.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The study enhances our understanding of lean supply chain methods and company performance. The study validated and extended supply chain management and performance theories by evaluating lean approaches in retail. The study's finding of additional variables that may affect lean practices and performance led to new suggestions. The study informed managers and practitioners about lean supply chain benefits. The study helped Kassmatt Supermarkets Limited and other merchants improve their supply chain management and operations. Supply chain management innovation and development may help organizations stay competitive in the rapidly changing business environment, according to the paper. The study informed policymakers and regulators on how lean supply chain methods may affect retail sector efficiency. Lean methods improve consumer satisfaction, waste reduction, and efficiency, which can inform retail supply chain excellence policies. The research also stressed the need of regulations encouraging industry-wide cooperation and knowledge sharing, which can increase innovation and efficiency.

Proposing a framework for analyzing the effect of lean and agile innovation on lean and agile supply chain

PurposeThis study aims to propose an integrated framework for analyzing the effect of lean and agile innovation on the lean and agile supply chains.Design/methodology/approachThe literature was reviewed and the dimensions of lean and agile supply chain/innovation were extracted. The statistical population included the managers and experts of pharmaceutical companies in Isfahan province. Eight pharmaceutical companies were selected. A researcher-made questionnaire was used to investigate the research variables. The face and content validity of the questionnaire and the data reliability were confirmed. After data collection, the studied companies were positioned in a two-by-two matrix and the associated data of two cells of the matrix, i.e. high lean supply chain/innovation and high agile supply chain/innovation were used for further statistical effect analysis using Smart-PLS.FindingsThe research results indicated that with the improvement of lean innovation in pharmaceutical companies, the lean supply chain improved by 97.9%; and with the improvement of agile innovation, the agile supply chain improved by 97.1%.Practical implicationsConsidering lean innovation, pharmaceutical companies should deal with the process of conceptualizing innovation, and regarding agility strategy, their focus should be more on generating ideas to improve their agile supply chain. This study was performed during the COVID-19 pandemic and offers appropriate innovation strategies to improve the supply chain of pharmaceutical companies.Originality/valueThe literature review implies that no research has been conducted on the selected and classified variables of this study. Also, using the positioning matrix before statistical analysis distinguishes this paper from similar studies.

Comparative analysis of lean and agile supply chain strategies for effective vaccine distribution in pandemics: A case study of COVID-19 in a densely populated developing region

Mass vaccination programs should employ effective strategies to design a resilient vaccine supply chain for immunizing populations quickly and efficiently. The need for more flexible and responsive vaccine supply chain design is highlighted during the pandemic, where authorities are required to effectively execute vaccine distribution. Our study proposes a scientifically driven approach to identify suitable supply chain strategies for vaccine distribution, enhancing the effectiveness of mass vaccination. We propose a two-stage approach for identifying the best supply chain strategy that supports faster vaccine rollouts, reducing infections and deaths during the pandemic. We optimize the vaccine distribution network under both supply chain strategies using Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) for four disruption scenarios in the first stage. Second, we have used systems dynamics simulation and the Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model for pandemics to identify the impact of vaccination. In all disruption scenarios, vaccine distribution using the Lean strategy is less costly, and the Agile strategy reduces lead time and supports faster vaccine rollout. We show achieving a cost-saving or lead-time saving using either supply chain strategy becomes increasingly difficult when the severity of disruptions at storage increases. Our study suggests a novel methodology that determines the most suitable strategy for vaccine distribution which minimizes infections and deaths under several disruption scenarios. The decision-makers can identify appropriate supply chain strategies for vaccine delivery to densely populated developing regions, using the proposed framework which compares supply chain strategies’ impact on vaccine distribution network design.

Configuring lean manufacturing and supply chain risk management: a cluster analysis

Among many fallouts of the global pandemic, firms’ supply chains have been severely impacted at the global scale. Such global impact can be mainly attributed to companies’ current heavy focus on lean manufacturing, resulting in a lack of preparedness and flexibility, and therefore weakening their supply chain links. At the same time, firms face severe financial distress and constraints if their investments in future risks turn out to be of no value. Facing such dilemmas, many firms are unsure of how to appropriately configure lean and risk management at their operational and supply chain levels. This study aims to understand the various configurations of lean manufacturing and supply chain risk management. Also, this study pays attention to buffer capacity associated with lean and risk management. In a dataset collected from 198 US companies, cluster analyses discover the manufacturers’ configurations of the varying emphases on lean management and supply chain management. Our results indicate that firms achieve the highest levels of buffer capacity and firm performance if they implement lean practices and risk management at a higher level than others.

Implications of using Industry 4.0 base technologies for lean and agile supply chains and performance

The adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in recent years has generated conditions for substantial changes in supply chain management. However, research is still ongoing on how I4.0 technologies can be integrated into current supply chain models to improve supply chain capabilities and performance. This work aims to contribute to understanding the relationships between Industry 4.0 technologies and lean and agile supply chain strategies, and identifying the implications for the focal firm's operational performance. In this study, we focus on a specific group of emerging I4.0 technologies known as I4.0 base technologies (i.e., cloud computing, Internet of Things, and Big Data analytics), whose complementary features can enhance the data collection, storage, and sharing, as well as the analysis processes. Drawing on the Dynamic Capabilities Theory, a structural equation model is used to analyze data collected from 256 Spanish focal manufacturing firms. Results indicate that I4.0 base technologies do not have the same effects on lean and agile supply chain strategies. While I4.0 base technologies can make supply chains leaner, they have been found to have no significant direct effect on agile supply chain implementation. Further, findings indicate a direct relationship between the lean and agile approaches and that the latter generates mediation effects between lean and operational performance.

A spherical fuzzy assessment framework for evaluating the challenges to LARG supply chain adoption in pharmaceutical companies

A lean, agile, resilient, and green supply chain (LARG SC) enables companies to survive and be more competitive in the current high-demand and complex marketplace by boosting their flexibility, adaptability, and trustability. However, adopting LARG SCs has faced many challenges, especially in pharmaceutical companies, motivating the present study to develop an inclusive assessment framework of challenges to LARG SC adoption. To this end, A rigorous literature review was conducted to identify the challenges, and then the validity of the identified challenges was analyzed through a survey in which fifteen experts evaluated identified challenges. Afterward, a novel MEREC-TOPSIS method under spherical fuzzy sets was proposed to determine the objective importance of the validated challenges and evaluate five pharmaceutical companies’ performance in dealing with the challenges to LARG SC adoption. The results indicated 35 validated challenges to LARG SC adoption, including seven lean, nine agile, nine resilient, and ten green challenges. Also, it is indicated that the most significant lean, agile, resilient, and green challenges are: designing for manufacturing, applying information technology, strong communication with suppliers and distributors, and green packaging, respectively. Also, comparative and sensitivity studies were conducted to evaluate the applicability and sensitivity of the proposed evaluation framework.

A multi-period discrete event simulation model for comparing synchronous and asynchronous facility reopening in global supply chains affected by disruption

Lean global supply chains have exhibited considerable improvements in inventory levels, lead times, and service levels in recent decades. Still, global disruptions such as pandemics have exposed the hidden vulnerabilities of these supply chains. This study extends the previous literature by using a multi-period discrete event simulation model to compare synchronous and asynchronous reopening times of different supply chain echelons with varying demand and production capacities. The results of simulation experiments show that for a very low demand upon reopening, asynchronous reopening gives higher supply chain profit and service level than synchronous reopening. In addition, the experiments also indicate that when the demand and capacity are low, the supply chain performance in terms of profit and service level is better if the reopening time is closer to the demand recovery phase. This study provides insight to supply chain managers to formulate reopening strategies for their facilities when faced with a global disruption.

Waste analysis of tapioca unloading process with lean supply chain approach in Makassar Port

In the process of dismantling tapioca flour, waste occurs due to activities that do not provide added value (Non-Value Added). The purpose of this study is to identify and analyze the types of waste and then propose improvements to eliminate activities that do not provide added value. By using the concept of lean supply chain and value stream mapping (VSM) it is expected to eliminate activities that do not provide added value and make the company more productive. Through the analysis of seven wastes and fishbone diagrams, it is known that the biggest causes of waste are waiting for the arrival of workers, waiting for pilot/tug boats, waiting for trucks to arrive, and working on sacks that have fallen and torn. Meanwhile, the recommendations given are to coordinate and evaluate the performance of workers, increase the number of pilot/tug boats and trucks, and supervise the unloading process to minimize mistakes made by workers. With the proposed improvement, the cycle time, which was originally 335.34 minutes decreased to 271.97 minutes, and for Process Cycle Efficiency (PCE) which was originally 68.30% increased to 84.22%.

Supply chain engineering: Considering parameters for sustainable overseas intermodal transport of small consignments

An increasingly environmentally conscious global economy is placing new demands on supply chain engineering, with a focus on sustainable approaches to modelling transport chain. In addition to the price and time efficiencies that characterize agile and lean supply chains, strategies for low-carbon and energy-efficient external transport must also be incorporated. This research therefore focuses on the challenges of organizing the supply of small overseas shipments to define how the relationship between land and sea transport in the selected intermodal chain affects environmental and energy performance. Understanding the input parameters and their impacts is a prerequisite for planning CO2, NOx, SO2 and NMHC emissions, as well as energy efficiency (EE) of overseas transportation. The number of individual transport legs and their characteristics are crucial parameters for sustainable transport chains. The applicability of the proposed research framework is carried out on the example of outbound supply chains of the southern part of the Baltic-Adriatic Corridor using intermodal transport chains of small shipments via the ports of Koper and Genoa. The results of the case study show that an additional transport leg representing only 2 % longer land transport to the port of Genoa significantly affects the carbon footprint of the whole supply chain's compared to chains via the port of Koper. Moreover, other results also require special attention in supply chain modeling. The study enriches the field of supply chain engineering, as there is a lack of such studies. The study is part of the project "Green port - Developing a sustainable model for the growth of the green port", co-founded by the Slovenian Research Agency.

Lean supply chain management: a contextual contingent reconceptualization and Delphi method study

PurposeThis research proposes and illustrates a conditional view of lean supply chain management (LSCM) based upon the contextual contingent alignment between lean performance objectives (i.e. a contextual factor) and supply chain management challenges (i.e. a contingent condition) in the selection of lean approaches (i.e. a contingent event).Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the notions of contingency-based practices and strategic fit, the authors’ LSCM reconceptualization jointly considers contextual and contingency factors in specifying what lean approaches to adopt. The authors illustrate the practical relevance of LSCM reconceptualization for the Canadian agri-food industry using the Delphi method.FindingsThe authors highlight that LSCM is founded upon alignment associations between specific lean performance objectives and supply chain challenges as well as their influence on the selection of suitable lean approaches. The empirical illustration shows that those alignment associations do not occur at random, which supports the conditional view of LSCM.Research limitations/implicationsThe contextual contingent view of LSCM can inform future scholarly inquiry and can reframe practically relevant middle-range theorization on LSCM.Practical implicationsThe Delphi method-derived descriptive model of LSCM provides guidance to managers in the Canadian agri-food sector in identifying suitable lean approaches to adopt given the specific performance objective(s) pursued and supply chain management challenge(s) encountered.Originality/valueThe authors advance scholarly theorization and managerial understanding of LSCM by providing a conditional conceptualization that jointly considers relevant contextual and contingency factors that hitherto have not been examined. In ascribing what lean approach(es) to adopt to the alignment associations influence between lean performance objective(s) pursued and supply chain management challenge(s) encountered, the authors provide compelling conceptual and empirical support for the joint conditional view of LSCM.

Industry 4.0 Implementation in Lean Supply Chain Management: a Systematic Literature Review

The major aspects and impacts of the interrelationships between Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technology and Lean Supply Chain Management are discussed in this article (LSCM). Many practical LSCM systems based on I4.0 have lately appeared. Despite this, there has been little research into the use of I4.0 technologies within LSCM. Machine learning, smart factories, blockchain, and the internet of services (IoS) are all possible LSCM revolution enablers. The goal of this research is to find out more about present and potential I4.0 technologies that can improve LSCM research and application in order to fill a gap in the current literature. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) technique was used for the collection, selection, and evaluation of published literature. We looked at 79 studies published between 2010 and 2021 that were found in the Scopus database.