Aspects of Lean and Agile Manufacturing Systems and Their Appropriatness in Ethiopia
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Date
2004-10
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The thesis deals with the principles of Lean and Agile Manufacturing Systems and their
appropriateness in Ethiopian context. Inflexible mass-production methods that produce
voluminous of standardized products were inadequate for demands of increased variety. In
pursuit of greater flexibility and elimination of manufacturing wastes, Lean Production
System has been developed. More recently, demand for further responsiveness to the everchanging
customer demand and turbulent business environment, led to a formulation of
Agile Manufacturing concept with the intention of greater adaptability. Thus, it is
necessary to study their vital principles and adopt the appropriate system to improve the
competitive capability of industries.
Using available literatures, Internet, industry survey and analyzing the gathered pertinent
information, the thesis reviewed the main principles of lean production system. Taking
authentic pilot cases, enhanced value stream map is generated and lean Manufacturing
Cell for cutlery production is designed. The fundamental principles of agile manufacturing
system and then, the comparison of the two systems are also discussed. Finally the
suitability of these systems in Ethiopia context is analyzed.
It is found that Lean Manufacturing is a collection of technical and operational systems
focused on productivity improvements with limited resources (44). LPS focuses on
minimizing manufacturing wastes, continuously improving methods, utilizing flexible
production system to produce variety of defect-free goods. Agile manufacturing (AM), on
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the other hand, is a comprehensive manufacturing system focused on thriving in
unpredictable business environment. AM focuses on enriching customers, reorganizing
production system for greater flexibility, cooperation to enhance market responsiveness
and increased use of Information technology.
The comparison between these systems shows a difference in viewpoint and perhaps
strategy with regard to change, but not in method or approach. Cases on the implementation
of Lean techniques indicate that industries can enhance competitiveness by adapting Lean.
The survey revealed that Industries are experiencing forces that lead to more
responsiveness. More over, it is found that most industries believe that the Lean Production
is more appealing in current Ethiopian Industries Situation.
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Mechanical Engineering