Despite the extensive literature on Lean Manufacturing (LM), little effort has been made to synthetize the state-of-the-art methods used to assess LM implementation. Accordingly, this article aims to present a literature review on scientific assessment methods for LM to identify their main characteristics. Forty eight articles related to the topic published between 1996 and August 2012 were identified. These publications were then classified using the following characterization parameters: methodological approach, assessment focus, diagnostic process procedure; diagnostic assessment dynamics; and classic LM practices assessed among other complementary parameters. The main contribution of this research is to provide researchers and management professionals with a compiled account of LM assessment methods for easy identification of the most suitable method for the environment of a certain company or that which offers the best perspective on their own LM implementation status.
Lean manufacturing; Assessment method; Implementation; Review
