Lean manufacturing implementation within SMME’s in the South African automotive component industry

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify the inhibitors and enablers that impact the implementation of lean manufacturing within small-, micro- and medium sized enterprises (SMMEs) in the South African automotive component industry. As SMMEs views the implementation of lean manufacturing as a risky undertaking, the research aims to provide SMMEs with the necessary guidelines and indicators for the successful implementation of lean manufacturing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with change agents or key personnel involved with lean implementation within 12 SMMEs located in the Gauteng province in South Africa. Results were summarised and a content analysis was carried out on the data collected. Several inhibitors and enablers that determine the success of implementing the philosophy of lean manufacturing within SMMEs were identified. The most significant inhibitors identified that hinders the successful implementation of lean manufacturing within SMMEs were the lack of skills and expertise, the lack of leadership support and commitment, resistance to change, lack of focus and a lack of resources. The most significant enablers that facilitated lean manufacturing implementation were leadership support and commitment, organisational culture and attitude, strong process improvement champion, effective communication and training. For the successful implementation of lean manufacturing, SMMEs has to take a balanced approached in the two systems i.e. the technical and social system, that constitutes lean manufacturing. An imbalance approach will result in stimulating the inhibitors and disregarding the enablers, critical to make lean manufacturing work