much affected by application of lean concept. They are to be dealt in a different perspective. Formation of cells, which is key to implement lean system in DM, is almost null entity in CM (Table 6).
Potential benefits of LM are improved manufacturing flexibility followed by improvement on Just-in-Time (JIT) delivery and reduced cost. Improved customer satisfaction is also an important benefit derived out of LM implementation. The benefits are almost identical both in DM and CM. In almost all cases of benefits, it appears that CM industries are bigger beneficiary than DM (Fig. 2).
During field visits in CM industries, it has been observed that operations are interrupted frequently due to machine malfunctioning, piling up of finished product inventory, non-availability of necessary spares and other accessories, skilled manpower etc. Unorganized workplace creates lot of confusion in actual shop floor leading to adverse effect on smooth flow. Improper lay out planning with huge space allocated for buffers unnecessarily increases the size of plant resulting in complex path of material movement and inefficient material handling. Variability in operations times and raw materials tend to slow down the pace of operation, increase lead- time and creates problem in deciding a proper or definite Takt Time.