Factores claves de éxito del uso de la metodología Kaizen en el sector manufacturero Latinoamericano

Abstract

Lean Manufacturing has become one of the most effective tools for companies to carry out a process of continuous improvement through the systematization of their activities where they seek to eliminate those activities that do not add any value to the productivity and competitiveness of Organizations seeking to minimize waste, costs and time under the premise that everything can be done better. This article aims to determine the success factors of using Lean Manufacturing through the implementation of the Kaizen method in Latin American manufacturing companies. For this, a descriptive analysis with a qualitative approach was carried out through the literature review of articles that addressed the subject under study in the last decade. Among the main findings, it was found that the implementation of the Kaizen methodology in Latin American manufacturing companies is due to success factors related to the work team, the effectiveness in implementing the method, incentives, training and commitment of company directives. As some of the main inhibitors of the implementation were resistance to change, the mismatch of operations to the value chain of the company and the limited empowerment of employees that weakens effective communication between members. Keywords: Lean Manufacturing; Kaizen method; Manufacturing companies; Latin America