Application of lean manufacturing in automotive manufacturing unit

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to apply lean manufacturing using value stream mapping (VSM) in the manufacturing organization (automotive suspension and fastening components section). To validate the VSM approach, simulation has been done.Design/methodology/approachVSM approach has been used to implement lean stages in the U-bolt section. Current state map was prepared and future state map has been implemented. Further, simulation has been done to compare current state and future state maps.FindingsIt has been found that there is 87.59% reduction in cycle time (C/T), 76.47% reduction in work-in-process (WIP) inventory, 95.41% reduction in production lead time, 66.08% increase in value added (VA) ratio, 95.78% reduction in non-value added (NVA) time, 57.14% reduction in the number of operators and 70.67% reduction in change over (C/O) time for the U-bolt section. Simulated and VSM of current and future state has observed error of 5 s.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on automotive manufacturing industry situated in northern part of India. The outcome of this study is applicable only to the selected product of the manufacturing company.Originality/valueThis paper deals with case study part which reflects the true picture of implementation of Lean manufacturing (LM) tools in the organization.