Implementing the Lean Framework in a Small & Medium & Enterprise (SME) – Acase Study in Printing Press

Abstract

The last decades witnessed tremendous research into the field of manufacturing perfection which is popularly called as world-class manufacturing (WCM) such as LEAN manufacturing (LM), Total quality management (TQM), Total productive maintenance (TPM) and their manifestations in automobiles, Mechatronics and polymers industries. LEAN manufacturing is emerging as one of the top manufacturing approach in this millennium. This paper is all about a theoretical framework for adopting and implementing LEAN in a sticker Printing SME. LEAN tools, for example, 5S, quality circle, quality control, visual show and standardization are a low-cost investment techniques are attainable to execute in SMEs given the immense help from the top management. Small Medium Enterprise (SME) is facing cut-throat competition from big Enterprise as they can provide products with high value at low price. Further, this study is related to the newly incorporated simplified quality model similar to Six Sigma technique applied in an SME company and its implementation in a case study i.e..a printing press resulting in high profitability through an increase in productivity.