Abstract
When considering improvements in manufacturing industries, reducing inventory and leadtime is regarded as critical issues. This paper is positioned as a starting research based on case study approach towards TLR (Total Lead-time Reduction), which is the lead-time improvement activity based on management cycle. The LT seven tools such as Whole Chain Viewpoint, Straight Flow, Parallel Flow, Stop Push, Seek Pull, Smaller Step, and Neglect Wait are proposed. Four cases are selected as typical case samples based on the procedure and the measure of fluctuation range. The LT seven tools are verified effective for reducing leadtime and inventory through the within-case analysis by applying the tools to four selected cases with the gathered data. The applicability of the LT seven tools is evaluated by the crosscase analysis in terms of similarities and differences. Finally, four propositions are proposedbased on the results of analysis.
