APPLICATION OF LEAN TOOLS IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN OF A MAINTENANCE ENVIRONMENT

Historically, Lean thinking has limited applications in the maintenance environment (that is, a non-manufacturing environment). This article reports on the Lean tools that can be implemented in the maintenance environment. To achieve this, a typical supply chain management of a rolling stock service organisation was used for analysis and validation. The approach was initially to map the current supply chain process through a standard method of value stream mapping so as to identify non-Lean activities. After mapping the current state, other suitable Lean tools for the current supply chain management were applied. Finally, performance Indicators were formulated for continuous review and assessment.