Lean Philosophy Implementation in SMEs – Study Results

Abstract

The Lean Manufacturing (LM) philosophy is applied in different kinds of companies and their branches. LM uses many methods. Several enterprises, in order to minimize costs, use poor quality materials or overload workers with work. They do not realize other possibilities for the improvement of enterprise effectiveness. They are also troubled by the unknown. This problem is particular to many cases related to the LM concept. This paper shows the results of the study carried out in SMEs from different branches in the Podkarpackie Voivodship (Poland). The way of the LM system application by the enterprises was studied. The results show that many SMEs are eager to implement the LM philosophy.