Product and process development using the lean thinking principles in an automotive industry

Abstract

The competition among automotive industries increases each year worldwide. Traditional industries as well as traditional markets end up becoming the target for expansion of new global industries. It can be stated that automotive industries dedicate special attention to lean thinking and Toyota Production System (TPS). This attention is not by chance as, in doing so, these companies obtain competitive advantages over their competitors, such as: improved profitability, higher negotiation margin, the possibility of applying lower selling prices of their products, among others. This study aims to present several waste examples, as well as many activities that regularly occur within the production process of automotive industries (some both in product and process design). These activities form part of the final cost of the vehicle although without adding value to the final product for the customer. This study ends presenting evaluations to be considered in order to eliminate or at least reduce waste.