Enhancing Process Efficiency in Automotive Enterprises Through the Kanban Method
Purpose: The research objective of the article was to collect data from a real-life facility and demonstrate through analysis that the use of the Kanban method is a solution that streamlines processes in a selected manufacturing company in the automotive industry. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used the Kanban method, which is dedicated to process management in enterprises. The study assessed the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the Kanban method. The solution was analysed in terms of its impact on the improvement of production processes. To this end, the following were analysed: the number of stocks, the number of Kanban cards produced and the timeliness of order fulfilment. Findings: The analysis showed that the Kanban method is effective in streamlining processes within the company. Practical Implications: This solution contributed to a significant reduction in inventory and improved production flow, allowing production to be adjusted to actual demand. Thanks to the standardisation and visualisation of processes and the streamlining of material flow, production cycle times were shortened and waste was reduced. This also translated into increased and stabilised production. At the same time, a high and stable level of order fulfilment was observed, remaining at 99-100%, which demonstrates effective production flow management and minimisation of delivery delays. Originality/Value: Considering the impact of Lean tools on the processes taking place in the company, it was found that these tools, including the Kanban method, were of great importance in increasing and stabilising the level of order timeliness. The analysed solution operates in accordance with the principle of continuous development, which translated into an increase in the overall competitiveness of the company, and this is crucial in the face of today's increasingly demanding market.