Application of value stream mapping in an Indian camshaft manufacturing organisation

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply value stream mapping (VSM) for enabling leanness in an Indian camshaft manufacturing organisation.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature on lean manufacturing and VSM has been performed. A suitable organisation has been identified for conducting the case study. The current state map has been developed after making necessary observations and calculations. Then various improvement proposals have been identified and the future state map has been developed.

Findings

The industrial impact as a result of implementing the proposals has been determined. The improvement in leanness parameters has been found.

Research limitations/implications

The implementation study has been conducted in only one organisation. But the organisation has implemented world‐class strategies such as ISO quality management system. Hence, the experiences gained by the conduct of this implementation study are feasible and deployable in similar organisations.

Practical implications

In order to acquire lean characteristics, modern organisations are focussed on the test implementation of various lean tools. The results of the implementation study indicated significant improvement in lean characteristics.

Originality/value

The implementation study reported in this paper is an original contribution of the authors, which has been conducted in a typical Indian industrial scenario. By the virtue of its research background and practical compatibility, the implementation study is considered to be highly valuable.

Citation

Vinodh, S., Arvind, K.R. and Somanaathan, M. (2010), "Application of value stream mapping in an Indian camshaft manufacturing organisation", Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, Vol. 21 No. 7, pp. 888-900. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410381011077973