Implementation of lean thinking in an assembly line of automachine vehicles: A study of case [Implementação do lean thinking em uma linha de montagem de veículos automotores: Um estudo de caso]

Abstract

Since that the advantages of the Toyota Production System (STP) had started to be in evidence over the traditional systems in the production of automobiles, assembly plants of diverse parts of the world had started to apply the concepts of the STP in the search of bigger competitiveness and, therefore, a bigger market share. The STP applies the principles of the Lean Thinking as a base for the construction of a sustainable enterprise culture. The objective of the research was to determine the critical elements that exert an important influence in the guarantee of the success in the implantation of the Lean Thinking, by means of documentary inquiry and collect of data of a production line of automotive vehicles of the studied company where, since the beginning of 2007, the concepts of Lean management and its associated tools are applied. This research aims at to describe the main characteristics regarding a new process as well as its impact in the related populations. On the other hand, beyond the management and technical aspects, it also aims to know the behavior aspects that influence for the success of the implantation of an organizational culture based on the STP. It is expected that the research can consist in a base for the introduction of the Lean Thinking in the company on a sustainable way, serving of subsidy for posterior studies that they aim at to the transformation of the organization as a whole. Copyright © (2010) by Associaç ão Brasileira de Metalurgia Materiais e Mineração (ABM).