Lean Supply Research Articles

Lean Logistics, Lean Supply Chain, And Lean Supply Chain Management For Sustainability: WOS (1987-2024)

Lean Logistics, Lean Supply Chain, And Lean Supply Chain Management For Sustainability: WOS (1987-2024)

A Decision Support Model for Lean Supply Chain Management in City Multifloor Manufacturing Clusters

City manufacturing has once again become one of the priority areas for the sustainable development of smart cities thanks to the use of a wide range of green technologies and, first of all, additive technologies. Shortening the supply chain between producers and consumers has significant effects on economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Zoning of city multifloor manufacturing (CMFM) in areas with a compact population in large cities in the form of clusters with their own city logistics nodes (CLNs) creates favorable conditions for promptly meeting the needs of citizens for goods of everyday demand and for passenger and freight transportation. City multifloor manufacturing clusters (CMFMCs) have been already studied quite a lot for their possible uses; nevertheless, an identified research gap is related to supply chain design efficiency concerning urban CMFMCs. Thus, the main objective of this study was to explore the possibilities of lean supply chain management (LSCM) as the integrated application of lean manufacturing (LM) approaches and I4.0 technologies for customer-centric value stream management based on eliminating all types of waste, reducing the use of natural and energy resources, and continuous improvement of processes related to logistics activities. This paper presents a decision support model for LSCM in CMFMCs, which is a mathematical deterministic model. This model justifies the minimization of the number of road transport transfers within the urban area and the amount of stock that is stored in CMFMC buildings and in CLNs, and also regulating supplier lead time. The model was verified and validated using appropriately selected test data based on the case study, which was designed as a typical CMFM manufacturing system with various parameters of CMFMCs and urban freight transport frameworks. The feasibility of using the proposed model for value stream mapping (VSM) and managing logistics processes and inventories in clusters is discussed. The findings can help decisionmakers and researchers improve the planning and management of logistics processes and inventory in clusters, even in the face of unexpected disruptions.

Facilitators, Barriers, and Potential Impacts of Implementation of e-Pharmacy in India and its Potential Impact on Cost, Quality, and Access to Medicines: Scoping Review.

e-Pharmacy can potentially solve problems related to the quality of services and products, cost, and access to medicines in low- and middle-income countries. This review aims to understand the facilitators and barriers to the implementation of e-pharmacy in India. This scoping review aimed (1) to understand the facilitators and barriers to the use of e-pharmacy in India and (2) to estimate the potential for e-pharmacy in India for improving access to medication, improving the quality of services and medicines, and decreasing costs of medications. All published and gray literature from July 1, 2011, to June 30, 2021, relating to e-pharmacy, was searched from MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google using a systematic search strategy. In total, 1464 titles and abstracts were screened, of which 47 full-texts were included in the review. e-Pharmacy can potentially improve access to medications for remote areas, and old and debilitated individuals. e-Pharmacies can enable lean supply chain management, lower cost, and allow easy tracking of dispensed medicines. There is potential for integration of e-pharmacy services into the national program of Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Pariyojana. However, the country is not adequately regulated to prevent the growth of illicit e-pharmacies. Lack of global accreditation and internet coverage, digital literacy, and transnational access are other challenges. E-pharmacy has the potential to improve universal health coverage in India by improving access to medicines and lowering the overall cost of health care. However, future growth will need specific regulations and accreditation mechanisms. Open Science Forum; https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/6R9YQ.

Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices and Financial Sustainability of Listed Consumer Goods Firm in Nigeria

Purpose: The significance of sustainable supply chain management practice to the financial sustainability necessitated this study which aimed to evaluate the effects of sustainable supply chain management practices on financial sustainability of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. In the course of the study, the primary objectives of the study were to determine the effect of supplier relationship management on the financial sustainability of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria and to evaluate the effect of lean supply chain practices on the financial sustainability of listed consumer goods firms in Nigeria. Methodology: The population of this study comprised of all the twenty-one (21) listed consumer goods firms under Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). The sample for this study comprised of forty (40) respondents selected from each of the three chosen consumer goods companies, totaling One hundred and twenty (120) respondents. The study adopted both purposive and stratified random sampling techniques. Primary data was collected through electronic questionnaires distributed via Google Forms. Descriptive statistical tools, including measures of central tendency such as mean, and measures of variability such as standard deviation, was employed for data analysis. Findings: The result of the analysis reveal that: (i) with the result of hypothesis one; the results revealed that F-statistics stands at 3.478 with a p-value < than 0.05 at 0.033. This implies that the positive effect of supplier relationship management on financial sustainability of listed consumer gods firms is significant. (ii) For hypotheses two, the results revealed that F-statistics stands at 3.133 with a p-value < than 0.05 at 0.04. This implies that the positive effect of lean supply chain practices on financial sustainability of listed consumer gods firms is significant. Originality/ Value: No research was found regarding the sustainable supply chain management practices and financial sustainability during the time period of 2024. Conclusion and Recommendations: The study concluded that sustainable supply chain management practices enhance financial sustainability of consumer goods firms in Nigeria. The study recommended that firms should prioritize building strong relationships with suppliers, integrate sustainability considerations into their operations, implement lean supply chain practices, strengthen internal controls to mitigate fraud risk, invest in employee training, foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, and regularly monitor and evaluate performance.

Green knowledge management: a bibliometric analysis, research trends and future directions

Purpose Green knowledge management (GKM) has become a critical factor for modern organizations, offering a multifaceted approach to enhancing business operations while promoting environmental sustainability. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature and explore how GKM helps companies reduce their ecological footprint by digitalizing processes and minimizing physical storage needs, thus aligning with growing expectations for corporate environmental responsibility. The necessity for conducting a GKM review is underscored by the increasing recognition of sustainability, environmental performance and as a critical component of organizational corporate success in the contemporary business landscape. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted a bibliometric analysis of 994 papers related to GKM from 2005 until August 2024. Findings Over the 20 years of research on GKM, this bibliometric analysis drew the interlinked relationships between main theme of KM in the context of sustainable practices, processes, social and related theories. This study identifies green innovation, digital transformation, green and lean supply chains, leadership and technology tools. Future research can explore themes such as green and lean processes, barriers and enablers, role of leadership and ambidexterity in green supply chain integration using different theoretical lenses. Research limitations/implications Although the findings of this study are important to GKM research, there are a number of limitations to this investigation. The research database used exclusively was the Web of Science and Scopus, which contained the indexed papers. Future investigations may draw from various databases, such as EBSCO and Google Scholar. Additionally, the use of topic modelling and other artificial intelligence frameworks could enhance research analysis. Subsequently, research papers may expand their scope to encompass conference papers, books and book chapters, in addition to articles. Practical implications This review gives a holistic understanding of GKM practices across various sectors which not only enhances organizational performance but also contributes to broader environmental goals. This study offers an understanding on GKM on holistic approach that combines total quality management (TQM), absorptive capacity and collaborative frameworks to foster innovation and sustainability. Originality/value It is evident from the review that research in GKM is evolving gaining momentum. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of the GKM literature, from its earliest forms of basic concepts aligned with the sustainability and progressing more into the concepts of GKM adoption for green innovation by highlighting multiple theories, factors and gaps in the studies.

Labor-Saving in Order Picking- A Real Time Study Advancing Lean Operations

Purpose: Efficient warehouse operations rely heavily on optimizing order picking processes, which are known to constitute a significant portion of overall operational costs. The aim is to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness by minimizing non-value-added tasks in warehouse operations. Materials and Methods: This study investigates the transition from an Assisted-Picker model to a Solo-Picker model at a prominent 3PL service provider in India. The analysis compares two approaches for picking orders—pairing laborers versus employing a Solo-Picker—using metrics such as travel time and picking time. Findings: Results reveal that while the Assisted-Picker model may initially show faster completion times for individual orders, the Solo-Picker model proves more efficient overall. This is attributed to the elimination of idle time associated with helpers and enhanced labor utilization efficiency. Real-time productivity data collected during the study period demonstrate a remarkable 44% increase in productivity with the Solo-Picker model, resulting in substantial Labor-Savings and significant reductions in operational costs. Implications to Theory, Practice and Policy: This study highlights the critical importance of reevaluating traditional labor allocation strategies in warehouse environments. By identifying and eliminating non-value-added work, warehouses can move closer to lean and efficient supply chain management practices, ultimately enhancing overall productivity and cost-efficiency.

Leveraging Lean and Green Supply Chain Practices for Sustainable Supply Chain Performance: The Moderating Role of Environmental Orientation

Abstract This study investigates the impact of lean and green supply chain practices on business process performance and sustainable supply chain performance. The research utilises the resource-based view (RBV) theory to construct a conceptual model wherein lean and green supply chain practices are employed to augment business processes and sustainable performance. Concurrently, dynamic capabilities theory is applied to signify an organisation’s capacity to adapt and evolve in response to internal and external pressures from customers and competitors. The conceptual model is validated using structural equation modelling with a sample of 170 supply chain practitioners from the apparel and textile supply chain in Jordan. Results indicate that lean practices exhibit no direct impact, whereas green practices significantly influence business process performance and indirectly affect sustainable supply chain performance. Business process performance does not mediate the relationship for lean practices, but it does so for green practices. Moreover, the environmental orientation of both competitors and customers negatively moderates the impact of green practices on business processes and sustainable supply chain performance. These findings contribute to existing literature and underscore the crucial role of green supply chain practices in enhancing sustainable supply chain performance in the apparel and textile industry.

Lithiophilic Polymers of High Conjugation and Mesoporosity Enable Lean and Dendrite-Free Lithium Anode.

Lithiated Cu current collectors with a lean Li supply have been extensively explored as prospective composite anodes for constructing lithium metal batteries (LMBs) but suffer from low Coulombic efficiencies (CE) and uncontrollable dendrite growth. Herein, two hexaazanonaphthalene (HATN)-based compounds comprising rich conjugated aromatic rings and redox-active C═N groups are synthesized and exploited to modify the Cu surface for mediating smooth Li plating/stripping. Compared to the HATN compound interlinked through flexible sigma bonds, the one conjugated through dual sp2-carbon manifests a more rigid backbone, improved electric conductivity, and enhanced mesoporosity. As a result, Cu electrodes modified with the latter demonstrate enhanced CE and suppressed dendrites in both half and symmetric cells, apart from a stable operation over 250 cycles in the LiFePO4 full cells with a capacity retention of 94.9% at 1 C. This study signifies the tailoring of intramolecular conjugation and chain configuration of lithiophilic macromolecules to facilitate reversible Li deposition on Cu for achieving high-performance LMBs.

How does the technology environment impact supply chain strategy and operational performance?

PurposeThis paper investigates the relationship between technological uncertainty and the use of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies, and its impact on the implementation of agile and lean supply chain strategies. It also examines the effect of both of these supply chain strategies on focal firm operational performance in terms of efficiency in manufacturing processes and delivery performance.Design/methodology/approachSurvey data were gathered from 256 focal manufacturing companies in Spain using a structured questionnaire. Covariance-based structural equation modeling (CB-SEM) is used to test the conceptual model.FindingsUnderpinned by the Contingency Theory and the Resource Orchestration Theory, the results indicate that technology uncertainty has a strong association with I4.0 technology use. Furthermore, the use of I4.0 technologies facilitates the implementation of the lean supply chain strategy and the agile supply chain strategy. Focal firm operational performance was also observed to be affected by the two strategies in different ways.Originality/valueThis study extends the literature on operations management by studying the fit between the external environment and strategy by incorporating an in-between element: the use of I4.0 technologies. This research provides a unique empirical analysis of the role of technology uncertainty and integration between I4.0 technologies and supply chain strategies.

Innovative Strategies in Lean Supply Chain Management: Enhancing Efficiency in Healthcare

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, integrating Lean principles into supply chain management has emerged as a crucial strategy for enhancing efficiency and resource allocation. This paper explores recent advances in Lean Supply Chain Management (LSCM) within the healthcare sector and presents innovative strategies to optimize resource allocation. Synthesizing existing literature and case studies elucidates the principles of Lean thinking and their application to healthcare supply chains. Key topics addressed include waste reduction, process optimization, inventory management, and collaboration among stakeholders. Additionally, the role of technology and data analytics in streamlining supply chain operations is investigated. Furthermore, the paper delves into challenges and potential barriers to implementing LSCM in healthcare settings, along with recommendations for overcoming them. A comprehensive analysis of current trends and practices provides valuable insights for healthcare organizations seeking to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in their supply chain management practices.

Analysis of Supply Chain Performance Improvement in the Fish Processing Industry

This study aims to identify the supply chain condition of the red snapper fish processing industry, assess the supply chain performance, and recommend performance improvements based on the performance measurement results. The study was conducted in Brondong District, Lamongan Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The methods used are the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), which measure effectiveness and efficiency parameters. Data were collected through interviews and field observations with expert respondents representing fishermen, collectors, and the fish processing industry. The results showed that the supply chain performance of the fishermen, collectors, and fish processing industry was 67.52% (poor), 88.11% (average), and 95.09% (excellent). The low performance was mainly in the fish catch composition accuracy and raw material handling practices. Root cause analysis was conducted to identify the leading causes, such as poor raw material quality, high raw material costs, and low cash-to-cash cycle time. Recommendations for improvement include handling raw materials training, using better cooling technology, and accelerating debt payments. Implementing lean supply chain management with the 5S system will improve operational efficiency and final product quality. Support from all stakeholders and government is essential for successfully implementing this strategy. Further study on the impact of lean implementation on environmental and social sustainability and exploration of new technologies for efficient fish handling and processing is needed.

Optimizing risk mitigation in maritime supply chains through strategic supplier relationship management

Modern supply chains face escalating vulnerabilities, especially in the maritime industry. Traditional lean supply chain management lacks flexibility and risk mitigation measures, encouraging the proposal of agile-focused SCM. The success of companies is intricately tied to supplier performance, highlighting the pivotal role of procurement in risk mitigation through supplier relationship management (SRM) strategies. This emphasizes the role of procurement in risk mitigation since they manage suppliers using supplier relationship management (SRM) strategies. To properly apply SRM strategies, suppliers are segmented. The standard segmentation method is the Purchasing Portfolio Matrix (PPM). The downfall of this matrix is the focus on power relations, which misses a softer relationship side of SRM. The Supplier Potential Matrix (SPM) includes relationship dynamics but overlooks supply risk. A new matrix for segmentation is proposed, the Integrated Supplier Matrix (ISM), which combines and integrates the PPM and SPM. A case study in a maritime company assesses risks using the Best-Worst Method (BWM), revealing significant procurement risks such as product uniqueness, regulatory compliance, and external factors. The ISM then establishes relationships between supplier willingness, capabilities, risks, and profit impact. The findings emphasize the critical role of communication and trust in managing trade-offs within supplier relationship management (SRM).

Unveiling the Failure Mechanism of Zn Anodes in Zinc Trifluorosulfonate Electrolyte: The Role of Micelle-like Structures.

Zinc trifluorosulfonate [Zn(OTf)2] is considered as the most suitable zinc salt for aqueous Zn-ion batteries (AZIBs) but cannot support the long-term cycling of the Zn anode. Here, we reveal the micelle-like structure of the Zn(OTf)2 electrolyte and reunderstand the failing mechanism of the Zn anode. Since the solvated Zn2+ possesses a positive charge, it can spontaneously attract OTf- with the hydrophilic group of -SO3 and the hydrophobic group of -CF3 via electrostatic interaction and form a "micelle-like" structure, which is responsible for the poor desolvation kinetics and dendrite growth. To address these issues, an antimicelle-like structure is designed by using ethylene glycol monomethyl ether (EGME) as a cosolvent for highly reversible AZIBs. The modified electrolyte shows lower dissociation ability to Zn(OTf)2 and higher coordination tendency with Zn2+ compared to the Zn(OTf)2 electrolyte, resulting in the unique solvation structure of Zn2+(H2O)1.2(OTf-)2(EGME)2.8, which significantly reduces the charge of micelle, damages the micelle-like structure, and boosts the desolvation kinetics. Moreover, the reduction of EGME and OTf- can form a robust dual-layered SEI with high Zn2+ ion conductivity. Consequently, the Zn/Cu asymmetric coin cell using ZT-EGME can work at a high rate and a capacity of 50 mA cm-2 and 5 mA h cm-2 for more than 120 cycles, while its counterparts using ZT can barely work. Moreover, a 505.1 mA h pouch cell with practical parameters including a lean electrolyte supply of 15 mL A h-1 and an N/P ratio of ∼3.5 can work for 50 cycles.

Lean Supply Chain Management

In current competitive market, efficient supply chain management is essential to achieving sustainable business success. This paper explores the integration of lean principles into supply chain operations and its impact on enhancing the value creation stream. Lean principles, originally developed in the manufacturing sector, focus on waste reduction, continuous improvement, and value maximization from the customer perspective. By applying these principles to supply chain management, organizations can streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve overall efficiency. The study investigates key lean methodologies, such as Just-In-Time inventory, Total Quality Management and the 5S system, and examines their application in various stages of the supply chain, including procurement, production, and distribution. Through a combination of case studies and empirical data, the research highlights how lean initiatives lead to significant improvements in supply chain performance metrics, such as lead time, inventory levels, and defect rates. Findings demonstrate that lean supply chain practices foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration among supply chain partners, ultimately enhancing the responsiveness and agility of the supply chain. Furthermore, the paper discusses the challenges and best practices for implementing lean principles in supply chain management, providing a roadmap for organizations seeking to optimize their supply chain value creation. The application of lean principles in supply chain management not only drives operational excellence but also contributes to greater customer satisfaction and competitive advantage. This paper underscores the strategic importance of lean thinking in creating a robust and value-driven supply chain.

Effect of lean supply chain on competitive advantage: a systematic literature review

Effect of lean supply chain on competitive advantage: a systematic literature review

From surviving to thriving: How to increase supply chain resiliency during tumultuous times

The past few years have highlighted that lean supply chains are both unreliable and lack resiliency; there is no longer any cushion or room for error, and they perform best with predictability. The increased instability caused by major global disruptive events has placed immense pressure on supply chains. Therefore, companies must adjust how their supply chains function. This paper seeks to answer the question: what can be done to increase supply chain resiliency and reliability?

Integrated DEMATEL-ML approach for implementing lean supply chain in manufacturing sector

PurposeThe manufacturing sector is witnessing the need to continuously improve overall performance by eliminating inefficiencies in the supply chain. The adoption of lean concepts to address wasteful or non-value-adding activities in the supply chain is crucial. This article determines key factors of lean supply chain management (LSCM) for continuous improvement in the manufacturing sector.Design/methodology/approachThe methodology comprises three steps. The first step identifies critical factors of LSCM in manufacturing from prior research and a series of expert consultations. Critical factors are identified and validated that industries can leverage to attain their lean goals. The second step uses the decision-making and trial evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method to determine the causal relationship among the factors. DEMATEL analysis categorizes factors into cause and effect, which will assist industry personnel in decision-making. The third step involves further data analysis to visualize the importance of the most critical factors. It develops a machine learning (ML) model in the form of a decision tree that helps in assessing the factors into cause or effect groups via a threshold value of expert ratings.FindingsIT tools, JIT manufacturing and material handling and logistics form the most critical factors for LSCM implementation.Originality/valueThe analysis from DEMATEL and ML together will be beneficial for manufacturing practitioners to improve the supply chain performance based on the identified factors and their criticality towards LSCM implementation.

The Possibility of adoption Lean Supply Chain Management (LSCM) activities in the food beverage industry : Exploratory study

The study aims to determine the extent of the possibility of adopting lean supply chain management activities, represented by the activities (lean purchasing, lean supplier, lean production, lean transportation, lean warehousing, and lean customer) in the Coca-Cola and Pepsi-Cola companies for the production of food beverages in the Kurdistan Region / Iraq, based on two hypotheses. They stipulate the respondents' awareness and possibility of adopting these activities. The questionnaire form was used as a main tool for collecting data. (90) questionnaires were distributed to the managers of departments and units in the two surveyed companies. The number of questionnaires suitable for analysis reached (80) forms. The results of the statistical analysis supported the study hypotheses and showed the possibility of adopting all activities. The researchers suggested adopting all activities and starting with the lean production activity.

Blockchain-Based Lean Supply Chain: A Simulation Approach

This paper aims to propose a model based on blockchain and cloud computing technologies to support lean production techniques for industrial supply chain management, evaluating how the combination of these technologies provides improvement in the chain performance. The literature review contextualizes the state of the art in studies related to the application of blockchain technology to lean manufacturing processes, as well as identifies research gaps in this field. Besides, this study models and simulates an architecture based on both the Hyperledger Fabric network and a virtual machine in the cloud environment, assessing its applicability and performance in the industrial supply chain. The analysis addresses lean aspects identified as research gaps, including integration of stakeholders in the collaborative production of customized products, conditions of flexibility and adaptability to demand variations, coordinated relationship of networks involving small and medium-sized enterprises, and behavior of various players acting simultaneously and consensually. The proposed model reveals a decentralized and nonlinear information sharing concept that demonstrates a logic of simultaneous participation of all players involved in the supply chain. The low costs and processing times identified in the simulation indicate the robustness of the system even in transactions involving a large number of companies and a large amount of data. This architecture offers an integration solution between stakeholders to support operational processes, providing insights for researchers and specialists in the adoption of innovative, reliable and inclusive information technologies for companies of different sizes or levels of development, with a focus on lean manufacturing, reduction in resource consumption and cost reduction. The developed model, which combines blockchain and cloud computing technologies applied to stages of lean production systems, presents a differentiated solution on the planning of integrated production systems, indicating the differential in this work.

Leagile supply chains and sustainable business performance: application of total interpretive structural modelling

This study aims to develop an integrated model for the leagile (lean + agile) supply chain strategy to achieve sustainable business performance across the triple bottom line, including economic, environmental, and social performance. We draw upon a literature review and experts’ opinion, using total interpretive structural modelling (TISM), to determine interrelationships among leagile supply chain practices and sustainable business performance measures. To this end, first, unique and common practices of lean and agile supply chain strategies, i.e. leagile building blocks, are identified through a synthesis of the literature. Second, semi-structured interviews with four experts are conducted to gain an understanding of the mutual relationships among the leagile building blocks and to meticulously adjudicate their interactions with sustainable business performance measures. Validated by two independent researchers and literature enfolding, the final TISM model provides a 10-level hierarchical representation of the leagile supply chain strategy for sustainable business performance.