A Taxonomy of the Adoption of Lean Production Tools and Techniques

The purpose of this study is to discover if the pattern of lean tool adoption for mature lean enterprises varies by type of value stream. The study empirically tests the effect of types of production processes, production volume, and order fulfillment strategies on lean production tool adoption in mature lean enterprises. The results of the study show that each of these factors does affect the pattern of tool adoption among mature lean enterprises.

Eleven different value stream profiles are identified in the study (ex. Discrete, Low Volume, Build-to-Order, value stream such as a commercial satellite producer). A binary logistical regression model is developed for each tool and each profile. The results of these models are probabilities that a given value stream profile would adopt a given tool of lean production creating a taxonomy of the adoption of lean production tools.