Enhancing Efficiency and Sustainability in the Printing Industry: The Impact of SMED and Lean Strategies
摘要
This article explores the application of Lean tools, in particular Single Minute Exchange of Die (SMED), to improve operational efficiency and sustainability in the printing industry, a sector that has been little investigated using this approach. Using the action research methodology, it was possible to implement practical improvements through Value Stream Mapping (VSM), task standardization, and employee training. The results include reductions of 15.8% and 7.4% in the setup times of the M and L machines, respectively, generating annual savings of more than €175,000. In addition, the 12.6% reduction in the organization’s paper waste prevents the consumption of 165 tons of paper and the emission of 14 tons of carbon dioxide, aligning the operation with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study demonstrates how Lean tools could be used in a Portuguese printing company to reduce costs, minimize waste, and promote sustainability, increasing competitiveness and environmental responsibility, serving as an example for other sectors with similar challenges.