When Digital Lean Tools Need Continuous Improvement

The growing gap between lean production and digital lean tools

“…From a processtheoretical point of view, we must also understand the characteristics of lean and digitalization and how they are organized in time and space (Pettigrew et al, 2001). Ashrafian et al (2019) and Holmemo et al (2021) suggested that the lean digitalization paradox can be explained by the "who" and "how" in their development and institutionalization. In contrast, our study provides insight into the differences between lean and digitalization in terms of organization in time, space and actors, and how this can explain why digital lean tools lag behind lean production.…”

“…This article is based on a qualitative single-case study of a Norwegian light-metal company. The initial data collection took place over a period of 18 months, starting in October 2020, and was presented in (Holmemo et al , 2021).…”

“…Data were collected over two periods, and the first batch was analyzed and presented and published at ELEC 2021 (Holmemo et al , 2021). The initial data showed an impatient group of lean practitioners at the shopfloor level who wanted updated digital support for their work on continuous improvement.…”

“…With sensors, enhanced connectivity and monitoring devices, Industry 4.0 brings digital tools to support lean activities like analytics and visual management. In previous work, we challenged the synergic relationship between lean and digitalization initiatives, showing that although digital lean tools can be developed to support lean activities as visual management of continuous improvement, the synergy can fade if the two do not evolve in coordinated ways (Holmemo et al , 2021). Our case study shows a digital support tool stagnating while production matured beyond the level the tool had once supported.…”