Conceptual Framework to Deal with Uncertainty in Printing Lean Manufacturing

A conceptual framework that serves as a reference for proposing a quantitative approach based on lean manufacturing (LM) techniques with uncertainty is herein presented. To develop this framework, the following input factors are considered: supply chain; top management; human resources; processes; machines. For production planning with uncertainty, it identifies their interaction with quantitative models and LM tools. It establishes the performance outputs acquired with proper LM tools, management, and quantitative models in all the identified input factors. The aim to apply this conceptual framework is to improve the performance of organizations from the LM perspective with uncertainty. This underresearched topic would benefit from future research efforts, particularly in the graphics industry. The conceptual framework is validated by applying it as a diagnostic tool in three companies from the graphic arts sector.