Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology that can help small and medium enterprises (SMEs), in the manufacturing sector, to select an appropriate lean tool for the company which will maximum benefits from adopting the tool. Design/methodology/approach – This study focuses on the selection of an appropriate lean tool for manufacturing SMEs. The methodology contains a quantitative approach that can assist SMEs in identifying the appropriate lean tool. A literature review, collation of experts’ opinions via a questionnaire and a case study (to provide a guideline as to how the developed methodology may work) are presented in this research. Findings – The findings revealed that the proposed methodology was effective in identifying the appropriate lean tools for companies, according to the key performance indicators in the manufacturing SME sector. Practical implications – The developed methodology can be used by manufacturing SMEs as a decision support system to enable the representatives of the company to make an informed decision regarding the selection of the most appropriate lean tool (i.e. that will address the most important issue that the company is experiencing). The strength of using this methodology is that appropriate lean tool can be ascertained relatively easily and inexpensively. There is the prospect of this methodology being applicable to most types of SMEs. Originality/value – This methodology has proven to be useful for recommending the application of lean tools in a company’s attempt to become lean, bridging the gap identified in the literature review.

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Abstract:The aim of the work presented in this paper is to determine the most important CSFs which have the strongest impact on the implementation of Lean tools and ERP systems within SMEs. To achieve this aim a methodology of two phases was adopted: the first phase was a literature review to identify the set of CSFs that have an impact on the Lean tools and ERP systems' implementation; the second involved the design of a questionnaire and the gathering of data from SMEs regarding the factors which they consider influence the successful implementation of Lean tools and ERP systems. Ten SMEs were involved in completing the questionnaire and the first analysis was based upon the six responses received. This study has indicated that there is a positive correlation between the CSFs for Lean tools and that of ERP systems.Keywords: Lean tools; ERP system; CSFs; SMEs.Reference to this paper should be made as follows: Alaskari, O., Ahmad, M.M. and PinedoCuenca, R. (xxxx) 'Critical success factors for lean tools and ERP systems implementation in

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop an assessment methodology that can be used to evaluate performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector. Design/methodology/approach – This area of the study focuses on the assessment of performance in manufacturing SMEs. The methodology contains qualitative and quantitative measures that can quantify the opportunities and benefits within SMEs, as well as identifying the performance gaps between the current performance of the company and world-class performance. This includes reviewing the literature relating to assessment methodology and collecting data by carrying out semi-structured interviews with staff at target SMEs. Findings – The results show that the proposed assessment methodology is effective in identifying hidden opportunities and benefits in the manufacturing SMEs sector, establishing world-class performance of the companies and comparing this with current performance in order to identify gaps in performance in manufacturing SMEs. Practical implications – This assessment can be used for monitoring and assessing SMEs performance. The developed methodology can be used by manufacturing SMEs as an assessment and benchmarking tool. It enables manufacturing SMEs to identify opportunities for improvement and determine the gaps in current performance; this will assist manufacturing SMEs in selecting an appropriate tool to improve their performance in order to achieve the company objectives. Originality/value – This paper presents a successful and effective assessment methodology for manufacturing SMEs. It measures current performance which will provide a useful indicator to identify waste. It attempts to improve company performance and suggests how such activities could be organised and managed more effectively. Consequently it leads to a high potential for cost and time saving and quality improvement.