Application of fuzzy logic for leanness assessment in SMEs: a case study

R. Vidyadhar, R. Sudeep Kumar, S. Vinodh*, Jiju Antony

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    42 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual model and application of fuzzy logic for leanness assessment in small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach – Lean manufacturing enables the manufacturing organizations to achieve streamlined processes. Leanness is the performance measure of lean practices. A conceptual model for leanness assessment in the context of SMEs is developed, and fuzzy logic approach has been used for leanness assessment. Findings – The approach computes Fuzzy Leanness Index (FLI), Euclidean distance and Fuzzy Performance Importance Index for various leanness attributes. FLI is found to be (4.42, 6, 7.64), and the organization is found to be “Very Lean”. Research limitations/implications – The case study has been conducted in a single manufacturing organization. In future, more studies could be conducted to enhance the practical validity. Practical implications – The case study has been conducted in an SME located in Coimbatore, India. Hence, the inferences derived from the study have practical validity. Originality/value – The development of conceptual model for leanness assessment for SMEs is the original contribution of the authors.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)78-103
    Number of pages26
    JournalJournal of Engineering, Design and Technology
    Volume14
    Issue number1
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 7 Mar 2016

    Keywords

    • Fuzzy logic
    • Lean manufacturing
    • Leanness
    • Performance measurement

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • General Engineering

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