A literature review of lean methods and tools: research trends and issues

Abstract

Although lean offers many benefits to a business, the level of successful lean implementation is low because companies do not undertake a lean transformation properly. One of the challenges they face is deciding on adequate lean tools and their application in a given context. A proper tool choice leads to long-term business results connected to lean, whereas an incorrect one results in higher implementation costs and the inability to extract maximum value from lean. Our main goal is to present literature on lean methods and tools through a systematic mapping study. We offer a systematised view of the field of lean methods and tools, identify research trends, and provide insights for future research. We identify the most prominent lean methods and tools used in various contexts and the frequency of their usage. We present a discussion on content (using lean methods), methodology and scientific contribution, and scope (lean and strategy).

Keywords: lean, lean methods, lean tools, systematic mapping study, literature review, sustainable lean