Reliability in lean systems
International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management
ISSN: 0265-671X
Article publication date: 8 March 2013
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a contemporary reliability model for lean systems through the development of an innovative lean system reliability model (LSRM).
Design/methodology/approach
LSRM models the reliability of lean subsystems as a basis for determining the reliability of lean systems as a whole. Lean subsystems, in turn, consist of reliability measures for lean components. Once principal components analysis techniques are employed to determine critical subsystems, Monte Carlo simulations for lean components, subsystems, and the overall lean system are then compared with historical data to determine the adequacy of the LSRM model. If simulation results are accurate to within the researcher's objective of 2.5 per cent of historical data results, the LSRM model is determined to be a validated model.
Findings
A literature search shows limited practical methodologies to assess the reliability of lean systems.
Research limitations/implications
Reliability computations involve many tedious calculations and, hence, require reliability software.
Originality/value
This paper defines lean system reliability, develops a conceptual model to assess the reliability of lean systems, demonstrates how to decompose a lean system into subsystems and components, and compares simulation results versus actual results to validate the LSRM model.
Keywords
Citation
Keyser, R.S. and Sawhney, R.S. (2013), "Reliability in lean systems", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 30 No. 3, pp. 223-238. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656711311299818
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2013, Emerald Group Publishing Limited