Exploring Lean Production: Kanban Implementation in the Automotive Industry = Exploring Lean Production: Kanban Implementation in the Automotive Industry

Lean Production, an approach aimed at enhancing business performance through waste reduction and quality assurance, has gained widespread adoption across various industries since its inception by Toyota in the 1950s and 1960s. This paper provides a comprehensive exploration of Lean Production, tracing its historical development over the past five decades and elucidating its key principles, methods, and benefits. Central to Lean Production is the concept of the "pull" system, which prioritizes customer demand and minimizes waste throughout the value chain. A case study is presented on the implementation of a Kanban project within a PSA production line, focusing on adjusting Work-in-Progress (WIP) while minimizing waste and increasing efficiency. The Kanban system, a visual signaling method, is deployed to facilitate production scheduling and optimize inventory levels. Through a detailed analysis of the production processes for two automotive heat shield components, HS10091 and HS10092, the implementation and results of the Kanban project are discussed. The study highlights the effectiveness of Kanban in achieving a self-feeding production line, reducing WIP, and enhancing overall productivity. By integrating Lean Production principles with the Kanban system, businesses can streamline operations, improve resource utilization, and deliver greater value to customers.