Manufacturing flexibility contribution towards lean manufacturing implementation en route to increase operation performance : A proposed framework

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study how the implementation of manufacturing flexibility could facilitate successful lean implementation in achieving superior operational performance. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a thorough review of published journals on the subject of manufacturing flexibility , lean practices and performance . Findings – Literature review found options existed for organizations to incorporate manufacturing flexibility in the manufacturing system. Several key issues are addressed in this paper which includes different types of manufacturing flexibility , it’s components, the accurate terminology, different level of manufacturing flexibility , benefits of increasing flexibility, flexibility’s effect on performance and lean alignment with manufacturing flexibility .The main issue focused by this paper is the argument by past researchers that despite the apparent superiority of lean compared with conventional system such as mass production, questions have arisen concerning its robustness in coping with the increasing unpredictability of the business environment. This paper argues that lean manufacturing is not a rigid system and when coupled with manufacturing flexibility, enhance operational performance successfully. Originality/value – This paper attempted to eliminate impediment in successful lean implementation by selecting flexibility as the strategic option to overcome it. It is an invaluable in depth look into the successful realization of a chosen manufacturing system through combination with a suitable manufacturing strategy such as flexibility .