Exploration of Key Drivers and Barriers for Sustainable Operational Performance of Lean Fulfillment Stream in Manufacturing Industry

Abstract

This study is to explore of key drivers and evaluating barriers to sustainable operational performance in the context of manufacturing industry. Based on recent studies, a set of challenges posed to manufacturing enterprise of the future are summarized, and thematic areas are analyzed in relation to meeting those challenges. The paper aims to discuss these issues. This study provides interesting insights for policymakers and it is equally beneficial for Industrial engineering and lean practitioners and researchers as it displays a better understanding of sustainable operational performance through building a Lean fulfillment stream in Lean implemented manufacturing industry. Many organizations trying to implement Lean Management (LM) systems to get the competitive advantage. LM system itself comprise of different management systems and methodologies. Policy Management (PM) and Daily Management (DM) key management systems which lead the LM towards operational excellence. DM is designed to ensure the smooth operation of the day-to-day activities, while the PM is designed to define the vision, mission, and organizational goals & objectives. These two PM and DM functioning in isolation cannot deliver the expected benefits to the organization and it will not help to gain competitive advantage in today's context. Consequently, most of the lean implemented organizations are struggling to sustain implemented systems, tools and concepts including the human behavioral change. However, this study can provide managers with a better understanding of the key enables and barriers to implement sustainable operational management practices and motivate the research to further extend the investigation on the insights for developing strategic plans for implementing sustainable operational management practices in the manufacturing industry of Sri Lanka.