Lean manufacturing: The history and our time

Abstract

Subject. The article discusses the use of the lean production concept at the production enterprise. Objectives. We evaluate the existing lean production toolkit, determine opportunities for their implementation and possible difficulties. Methods. Methodologically, the study is based on the comparative analysis of methods that constitute the lean production system. Results. We review one of the economic security aspects for Russia, such as an increased production competitiveness due to the ubiquitous implementation and use of lean production instruments. We conducted an historical analysis of the origination and development of the production process approach. Some lean production tools and aspects were proved to have been designed and actively used in the USSR manufacturing sector since the 1960s. The lean production concept was found to become very appropriate for enterprises. We analyzed the continuing production planning system by A.S. Rodov, which were in use ans proved its high cost efficiency at the USSR industrial enterprises. We also delved into the profit generating production process that was put in place in Toyota. The article provides the comparative description of modern lean production methods and concludes on their future use. Conclusions. Having compared the Soviet lean production model and the classical Japanese one, we concluded on the use of such production process methods that really went beyond their time. In the mean time, the Soviet model was simpler to use and implement. Based on the overview of modern lean production tools that evolved from the Soviet and Japanese lean production theories, we believe that the lean production principles and methods will have a positive impact on the efficiency and competitiveness of the national manufacturing sector.