Modeling the Enablers of Lean and Agile Manufacturing for Sustainable MSMEs Supply Chain—An ISM Approach

Following the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak, small companies especially coming under the category of micro, small, and medium enterprises took many measures due to their sensitivity to adverse effects on their supply chain compared to larger companies. Due to diverse nature of MSMEs, the relentlessness of the pandemic’s impact on them varies extensively depending on their characteristics. Along with competitiveness, the positive impact on society and environment sustainability has become ambitiousness for the majority of MSMEs. Many researchers have proved that lean practices have been a proven strategy to achieve efficiency in entire supply chain and create leaner supply chain. Another strategy is agile which has a remarkable impact in creating highly reactive supply chain. To participate in this highly volatile market, not just being efficiency is enough but supply chain needs an added strategy of effectiveness. This study explores the enabler of Leagile principles in MSMEs supply chain which enable successful transitions to viable as well as sustainable supply chains. Through empirical investigation, critical success factors (enablers) for attaining both lean and agile were encountered. In light of these variables, the driving and dependent influences of the facilitators impeding the acceptance of Leagile in their supply chain are analyzed by ISM approach. Finally, a novel model (diagraph) for viable structured Leagile enablers is represented, which will support in transition to sustainable supply chain.