Lean Management im Sondermaschinenbau: Wettbewerbsvorteile, Methoden und Implementierungsbarrieren

  • Maximilian Kraler

Student thesis: Bachelor's Thesis

Abstract

This bachelor thesis analyzes the applicability of the lean philosophy in the environment of special machine construction companies. In an increasingly globalized and competitive world and the associated market conditions, these companies have to assert themselves. In addition, this special field of mechanical engineering is characterized by a high number of variants with low quantities and a high necessary flexibility and customer orientation. For this reason, the first step was to determine the potential competitive advantages that can arise for special machine construction through the application of lean management. The work shows that lean management, although originally developed for series production, can also offer advantages in special machine construction, such as shorter throughput times, increased quality, and cost reductions. Due to the specific challenges of special machine construction, not all lean methods, such as the Kanban system, can be applied meaningfully or to the full extent. Suitable lean methods were identified by literature research, expert interviews, and examined for their applicability in special machine construction. The value stream mapping, 5S/5A method, Kaizen, and Poka Yoke were identified as particularly promising. While the 5S/5A method, Kaizen, and Poka Yoke unfold their advantages for almost all types of companies without major adjustments, the classic value stream analysis must be reconsidered and transformed from its original idea of analyzing production into the knowledge-based areas, that are essential in special machine construction. The introduction of the lean philosophy results in changes to the corporate culture, which leads to resistance within the company and challenges that need to be resolved. In particular, the resistance of employees and the management team, which frequently occurs in all types of companies, was presented here. Furthermore, the obstacles caused by the special machine construction-specific criteria were also discussed.
Date of Award2024
Original languageGerman (Austria)
SupervisorHerbert Jodlbauer (Supervisor)

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