Track: Lean and Six Sigma

Abstract

There is a huge potential for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to apply lean techniques in their day
to day chores in order to minimize waste and increase productivity. Many MNCs like Toyota have already perfected
the art of applying lean techniques in their manufacturing systems and their success is proof of that. But many
MSMEs are of opinion that applying lean tools into manufacturing systems is an expensive matter and the benefits
of applying lean system do not justify the costs associated. What these MSMEs need to understand is that applying
lean systems have so many benefits associated with it and the benefits associated with applying these techniques to
justify the cost in the longer run. This paper shows the survey of some MSMEs whom I have successfully
convinced of applying lean techniques. It shows how these MSMEs have introduced different Lean Techniques to
achieve the minimization of waste (MUDA) which can cause problems without sacrificing productivity. It also shows
how these MSMEs have addressed waste created through overburden (MURI) and unevenness in workloads
(MURA).