A framework for lean tool selection in the label printing industry for sustainable growth

This study underscores the necessity for efficient production methodologies in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), specifically in label production using the flexographic printing technique. Despite lean manufacturing being a predominant paradigm, enabling companies to enhance product quality and retain customer satisfaction through various tools and techniques, MSMEs often grapple with selecting the most productive lean tool that dovetails with their specific operational requirement. Our research seeks to establish a comprehensive system that aids MSMEs in effectively utilizing lean tools for optimal label production. We employed the fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to rank five pivotal lean tools—5S, kanban, kaizen, Just in Time (JIT), and Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED)—against four vital criteria. The study discerned that JIT emerged as the most beneficial lean tool to bolster sustainable growth within firms. Subsequently, an in-depth case study was conducted in a label printing firm, illustrating a tangible process improvement achieved through implementing JIT. This research illuminates the significance of adopting apt lean tools for enhancing productivity. It provides a guided approach for MSMEs in the label production sector to navigate the myriad of available lean tools.