A solution approach proposal with a lean perspective for the poultry sector with WRM and BWM integration

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to analyze lean wastes for the poultry sector in Turkey and link lean tools to this study focusing on identifying each lean waste that affects poultry production and proposing solutions for preventing these lean wastes in the sector. The proposed solutions aim to improve processes by suggesting different lean tools and their applications for the poultry sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study consists of two different applications. First the waste relationship matrix (WRM) was created to reveal the relationship between seven lean wastes and their importance order. Then after determining lean tools for eliminating lean wastes the optimum weight ranking and consistency ratio of the most suitable lean tools were calculated for these wastes and ranked with the best-worst method (BWM).FindingsResults showed that overproduction is the most critical waste that impacts other wastes followed by defect waste. Due to the nature of the sector these wastes not only result in economic loss for the company but also in food waste and loss and issues related to animal welfare. Furthermore the Kaizen approach and 5S implementation are the methods to eliminate these wastes. Detailed discussion on the link between lean tools and lean wastes is provided for the poultry sector.Originality/valueThis is the first study that theoretically and empirically identifies the potential lean waste affecting the poultry sector and provides lean tools for eliminating these wastes. Sector-specific explanations and discussions are presented in the study to show the applicability of lean approaches in the poultry sector to eliminate waste. In addition this study is the first to integrate the WRM and BWM.