Comparison and evaluation of maintenance operations in lean versus non‐lean production systems

Abstract

Purpose

Previous studies have found general differences between non‐lean and lean production systems, but none of them have identified the major factors in supporting operations such as maintenance which are important in shifting the production from a non‐lean to a lean system. The purpose of this paper is to determine the major factors and parameters of maintenance operations that are most effective in enhancing production to a lean system.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire is constructed and a direct mail survey is conducted in the greater Cincinnati/tri‐state region. The data collected are analyzed with SAS software using contingency tables with Fisher's exact test and a logistic regression analysis method.

Findings

The results show strong correlations between a lean production system and some of the major maintenance variables and parameters such as annual costs of maintenance personnel, parts/materials, and training.

Originality/value

The results of this study can be used as a guideline for engineers, experts and managers in order to monitor the maintenance operation during the transition process from a non‐lean to a lean production system.

Citation

Moayed, F.A. and Shell, R.L. (2009), "Comparison and evaluation of maintenance operations in lean versus non‐lean production systems", Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 15 No. 3, pp. 285-296. https://doi.org/10.1108/13552510910983224