Strengths and weaknesses of small and medium sized enterprises regarding the implementation of lean manufacturing

The purpose of this article is to explore the difficulties experienced when implementing Lean Manufacturing in small and medium sized enterprises (SME). In this work, we draw up a dual evaluation focusing first on the key characteristics of SMEs and then on the management principles of Lean Manufacturing. Based on an analysis of the scientific literature, we observe a number of conflicts between the characteristics identified for SMEs and Lean Manufacturing. The absence of functional organization, lack of methodology and deficiency of formal procedures are often the cause of difficulties experienced by SMEs during the implementation of Lean practices. The analysis of the literature suggests that the notions of leadership, expertise and decision-making arc crucial When implementing Lean Manufacturing. However, in the framework of SMEs, these elements tend to he concentrated under the responsibility of the head of the enterprise, leading to several strengths and weaknesses for such implementation. (C) 2016, IFAC (Informational rederation of Automatic Control) Hosiing Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.