A review of lean assessment in organizations: An exploratory study of lean practices by electronics manufacturers

This paper describes the development of a survey instrument to assess the implementation of lean practices within an organization. Results of a literature review, which was used to identify lean manufacturing practices and existing lean assessment tools, are presented. The findings of this review were synthesized to develop an instrument to assess both the number and the level of implementation of a broad range of lean practices in an organization. As part of a larger research project, an exploratory study was completed using the survey. A cross section of electronic manufacturers in the Pacific Northwest was used for the exploratory study. Analysis of the survey results from the exploratory study are summarized in this paper to illustrate how the survey can be used to understand what factors might contribute to the implementation of lean practices. In the exploratory study completed, for example, it was found that while electronic manufacturers have implemented a broad range of lean practices, the level of implementation does vary and may be related to economic, operational, or organizational factors.