dr inż. Anna MAZUR – prof. PP, Politechnika Poznańska, plac Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 5, 60-965 Poznań, Polska, e-mail: anna.mazur@put.poznan.pl
inż. Mikołaj KURZAWSKI – Politechnika Poznańska, plac Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 5, 60-965 Poznań, Polska, e-mail: mikolaj.kurzawski@student.put.poznan.pl
inż. Grzegorz KOŁPOWSKI – prof. PP, Politechnika Poznańska, plac Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie 5, 60-965 Poznań, Polska, e-mail: grzegorz.kolpowski@student.put.poznan.pl
Received 1.04.2025. Accepted 16.04.2025
Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study is to identify sources of waste and assess their impact on the efficiency of production processes within a manufacturing enterprise. Additionally, the study presents proposed solutions aimed at eliminating the identified sources of waste in production processes.
Design/methodology/approach: The study involves an analysis of literature and other available scientific sources focusing on process improvement and waste elimination. Based on this analysis, appropriate tools and methods are selected to both eliminate the identified waste and evaluate their impact on the efficiency of production processes. The research methodology includes the use of observation, interviews, control sheets, process diagrams, the 5 Why analysis, and time studies.
Findings/conclusions: In a dynamically changing environment, a company must continuously improve its competitiveness. One effective way to achieve this – while reducing production costs and maintaining the expected quality of manufactured products – is through waste elimination, which is deeply rooted in Lean philosophy. It is important to recognize that even minor changes, such as reorganizing work in quality control, can significantly improve working conditions and work efficiency. Employees also experience better work comfort, which translates into higher motivation and engagement.
Research limitations: Only selected methods of waste identification were applied, and the sources of waste were identified in specific areas of the company’s operations. For future research, it is recommended to apply additional methods that may prove more effective for certain processes.
Practical implications: The results and conclusions of the study confirm the effectiveness of the proposed solutions. Moreover, they enable the researched enterprise to pilot the implementation of these improvements as ready-to-use enhancements to production processes.
Originality/value: The waste elimination methods proposed by the authors are based on previously known solutions. However, they have been further developed and tailored to address the specific problems identified during the comprehensive analysis of the processes within the studied enterprise.
Keywords
waste, quality management, lean management