Advancing on the implementation of lean internal logistics: dificulties and results on the case of an automotive manufacturing company

Abstract

The main purpose of lean production (LP) is to produce more with fewer resources, for example less people, space, time and stock. The lesser quantity of resources on the production system increases the demand for greater quality and flexibility to the internal logistics. However, the amount of articles on the subject is sparse and mainly focused on the first steps of the implementation process. This article had the following objectives: to analyze the internal logistic of a plant that already uses LP practices, to propose and to implement improvements. The method used was an action research that adapts the Harris et al. (2004) guidelines to be used on a company that already use LP practices. As results, the study allowed the solution of several problems before the implementation of the new routes. As results for the company, there were several process improvements, as well as the reduction of direct logistics costs and improvement of the work balancing among routes.