Lean manufacturing through management of labor and machine flexibility : A comprehensive review

Manufacturing organizations world over are trying to become more competitive and responsive to customer requirements by adopting lean practices and structures. Process improvements aimed at cost cutting and product innovations on a continuous basis have become necessary for survival and growth of manufacturing units. Two major areas that contribute towards the attainment of lean manufacturing are those of labor, machinery and equipment. A great deal of flexibility is needed in machinery and equipment for processing a range of jobs in small lots without wasting excessive time on changeovers. Similarly, manpower flexibility is the key to performing multiple tasks efficiently. Researchers have focused on these two vital flexibilities for achieving lean manufacturing. This paper presents an account of the work available on lean manufacturing and its attainment through management of labor and machine flexibilities. © 2011, Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management.