Lean implementation through value stream mapping: a case study in an Indian pump manufacturing company

During the past two decades, the tools and techniques of lean manufacturing paradigm are increasingly being implemented in organisations globally. The scattered implementation of these tools and techniques has been preventing the organisations from effectively reaping the benefits of lean manufacturing paradigm. Meanwhile, a few researchers have found out that the initiation of lean manufacturing paradigm will result in leanness if it is begun by implementing value stream mapping (VSM) technique. In order to examine this finding, in this research paper, a case study on implementing VSM as the lean manufacturing initiative is reported. During the conduct of this case study, VSM was applied in an Indian pump manufacturing company. The experiences of conducting this case study have revealed that, VSM has the capability to implement the lean manufacturing tools and techniques tactfully for matching production lead time with takt time. This capability will enable the companies to achieve profitability and competitive strength.