A systematic approach of lean supply chain management in shipbuilding

Abstract

Highlights To the best of the authors’ knowledge, they are the first to present a systematic theory based framework, operational method, and recirculation approach for optimizing lean supply chain management (LSCM) in shipbuilding. Although the theory of LSCM has reached into a very mature stage in some traditional industry, but it is still a greenfield in shipbuilding. Most experts and professionals in shipbuilding industry would like to consider the production of ships and offshore products as a project due to its nature of unique and single. But the basic theory and tool of LSCM can still functioning after abstract the characters and processes, and then lead the practice and study of LSCM in shipbuilding to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of shipbuilding. The authors are shipbuilding and supply chain management experts from Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Company (SWS), which is a leading shipyard in China. Because of their theory and practice based knowledge, they can easily identify the key problems of shipbuilding operation and have first-hand access to worldwide shipbuilding performance data. In addition, the authors have experienced the great transition and reform from traditional to lean shipbuilding.

Keywords

• LSCM
• Shipbuilding
• Inventory
• Performance measurement