REVIEW OF LEAN MANUFACTURING ISSUES AND CHALLENGES IN MANUFACTURING PROCESS

In the present business scenario, competitiveness of manufacturing companies is determined by their ability to meet and respond as swiftly as possible to the changing environment scenario and to produce and supply high-quality products at lower cost as per demand of the customer. All the manufacturing companies are striving too hard to achieve their aims, objectives and their capabilities by proper planning and skilfulness, through application of automation and innovative concepts, e.g. lean manufacturing, just-in-time (JIT), and total quality management (TQM). Among these innovative concepts, lean manufacturing is recognized by the manufacturing companies as a major driver to achieve world-class capabilities. Many large and medium-size manufacturing companies have adopted lean manufacturing concepts, and experienced reduction in manufacturing lead time and material handling cost, and improvement in quality with other benefits. It is generally agreed that for a lean manufacturing programme to be effective, it should include a set of tools and techniques or provisions to ensure management obligation, employee association, identification of wastes, development of controls for wastes and training and education for employees. These tools and techniques are said to be typical of any comprehensive lean manufacturing implementation programme. The implementation of lean manufacturing reduced the waste in the industry and enhances the profit and production.