Lean implementation in small and medium enterprises — A Singapore context

Almost everyone in the industries has heard of lean and hailed it as a resolution to solve operational issues in production and logistic systems. However, many of those who believe in lean, especially Singapore local Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), are facing great challenges to truly apply the lean method for continuous improvement in performance. They need guidance and a suitable methodology to embrace lean so as to be more productive and to better compete in the global market. In this paper, the key success factors for successful lean adoption in Multinational Companies (MNCs) have been identified and the challenges faced by SMEs in pursuing lean are outlined. By understanding current situation in Singapore SMEs and their needs, a specially designed program has been proposed.