Lean supply chains, JIT and cellular manufacturing - the human side

Lean manufacturing has been widely adopted by many production companies. Apart from the

operational difficulty associated with conversion from a traditional, functional based operation,

adoption of Lean manufacturing involves significant organizational transformations. It requires

formation of work teams, comprised of multi-skilled workers. The work teams are preferably self

directed and need to continuously improve performance and production processes. Such changes

can be challenging for organizations.

This paper reviews studies of human related and organizational factors in the context of Lean

manufacturing, and identifies gaps in research in this area. The paper presents the principles of

lean manufacturing, the organizational shifts required, and presents studies relevant to each of

these shifts. The paper concludes with implications for practitioners and suggestions for further

studies.