Improving the Enterprise Activities Based on the Lean Technologies

Intense competition and innovative activity characterize the modern business industry. In order to achieve high efficiency of business processes, remain competitive and earn profit, provide customers with quality products within the shortest time possible, the company needs to optimize production, timely eliminate losses and efforts that do not bring results. The relevance of the research topic is beyond doubt, since the improvement of the enterprise’s activities at all its stages is facilitated by introducing methods and tools of lean manufacturing, which are currently widely used. Based on studying the practical experience of using lean tools by Russian and foreign organizations in various sectors of the economy, this study presents the features and benefits of the concept of lean manufacturing, as well as the problems associated with its use. The article presents the results of a pilot project on introducing lean technologies at a meat-processing enterprise in order to optimize the work of a canning shop. The project focuses on applying basic lean methods and tools: a system for organizing a safe and efficient workplace (5S), value stream mapping, work standardization, quick readjustment (SMED) and a system for collecting proposals for improvements (Kaizen). The current state of the pilot stream has been assessed in the work in order to identify existing losses and problems; the main directions for optimizing the value stream, eliminating identified problems and minimizing losses have been developed; the results of implementing measures to introduce lean technologies in the canning shop have been evaluated. The dynamics of the enterprise performance key indicators confirms the effectiveness of the lean production system and the need to replicate positive experience to other flows and processes operating at the enterprise.