Production management through Lean Manufacturing for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the footwear sector

Abstract

The study evaluated micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in the footwear sector in the Santa Ana department of El Salvador to identify the extent to which they are aware of and apply lean manufacturing management tools in their production processes, specifically through the OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) indicator. To collect the information, technical visits were conducted to 39 companies, during which interview guides were used with business owners, surveys were administered to operational staff in the production plants, and checklists were employed for in situ observations carried out by the research team. In conclusion, the majority of MIPYMES in the Santa Ana department consist of small artisanal workshops that operate informally, without employing management models or lean manufacturing tools. Some of these companies require support from academia to identify improvement opportunities and establish a baseline.