Difficulties observed during lean tools training: insights for leaders

Purpose: The lean manufacturing can be an important ally of companies to enhance their competitiveness, since it can support companies to eliminate wastes and continuously improve their processes. In this context, the main purpose of this study was to analyze difficulties observed by operational level employees of auto parts companies during lean tools training. Design/methodology/approach: A panel of specialists indicated 18 tools required for lean journey training. These tools were used to structure a questionnaire to perform a survey. The survey was conducted with 77 lean training experienced professionals from two auto parts companies. Data collected was analyzed through descriptive statistics and Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), to rank the tools according to the difficulty levels observed by the respondents. Findings: In general, operational level employees presented difficulties to understand the concepts of all analyzed tools. Comparatively, Lean Leadership and Constraints Management were those most difficult for them. Originality/value: The results present here can be used by leaders for providing lean training and for academics in futures studies.