Application of fuzzy logic for leanness assessment in SMEs: a case study
Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology
ISSN: 1726-0531
Article publication date: 7 March 2016
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.
Keywords
Citation
Vidyadhar, R., Sudeep Kumar, R., Vinodh, S. and Antony, J. (2016), "Application of fuzzy logic for leanness assessment in SMEs: a case study", Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 78-103. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEDT-05-2014-0029
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited