Lean manufacturing/management deployment status in manufacturing companies within Puerto Rico and the effect in strengthening manufacturing sector in the island.

摘要

This study presents the lean manufacturing/management deployment status in the manufacturing sector in Puerto Rico. The purpose of investigating in more depth the lean deployment status in the island is because manufacturing is the principal economical sector in the island and currently the higher operational costs are threatening the stability of this important sector. The study presents an alternative to decrease the operational costs of these operations and presents the benefits obtained by other companies that implemented the lean philosophy in their business. The hypothesis proved in this investigation is that lean implementation in Puerto Rico companies contributes to strengthening the company's presence in the island.;The approach of this study is based on a qualitative data obtained form a survey administered to manufacturing workers across the island and an analysis of case studies of some companies in Puerto Rico.