Flexibility in a Lean context: empirical evidences from a manufacturing survey in Spain

Resumen

The main purpose of this contribution is to explore the relationship between Lean concepts and flexibility in manufacturing environments. Although both concepts –lean and flexibility- are complex to define and to measure, we approximate them through existing literature. This preliminary analysis gives hints on understanding the relationship between two strategically important competitiveness clues. Complementary future analysis would be necessary in order to fully understand the model from a holistic point of view. Keywords: Lean, flexibility, European Manufacturing Survey