Challenges of Lean Manufacturing Implementation: A Hierarchical Model

The implementation of lean manufacturing has been on the rise globally. Numerous manufacturing industries including the Electrical and Electronics (E&E) industry in Malaysia has embraced lean methods in order to improve efficiency, achieve better quality and be more competitive on the global market front. However the journey to implement lean manufacturing is bound to encounter challenges. The effects of these challenges pose risks and lead to inefficient operations. The study applied ISM (interpretive structural modelling) techniques to analyze the complex dynamics between various lean implementation challenges. A hierarchical relationship model (HRM) was subsequently developed to organize, impose order, and explain the relationship direction between the lean implementation challenges. Based on the findings, top management and decision makers will be able to identify appropriate action plans, policies and strategies to reduce vulnerability and mitigate risks in deploying lean manufacturing.