Applying lean assessment tools in Chinese hitech industries

Purpose To evaluate the current state of manufacturing in some selected plants in electronics, telecommunicationwireless, and computer industries in the Republic of China. Designmethodologyapproach A spreadsheetbased assessment tool is used to evaluate nine key areas of manufacturing. Participants are asked to answer questions for each area, namely inventory team approach processes maintenance layouthandling suppliers setups quality and schedulingcontrol. A score is given for each response in the assessment. Scores are then totaled for each of the nine areas. The results are then displayed in the score worksheet and finally a lean profile chart is created to display the current status of the plant and the gap from their specific lean targets. Findings Results of the lean assessment tool have revealed a somewhat significant gap from the lean manufacturing target, but have also identified opportunities for improvement. Research limitationsimplications The research findings are from some selected manufacturing plants in Chinese hitech industries and they should not be interpreted as an indicator of that particular sector in China. Practical implications A very useful lean assessment tool that is easy to use by plants' management to help them identify their current state of manufacturing and the gaps from ideal lean targets. Originalityvalue This paper offers a practical and easy to use assessment tool to help manufacturing managers to make their manufacturing operations more productive.