Simulation-based analysis of lean practices implementation on the supply chain of a public hospital

摘要

Paper aims: This article aims to evaluate the impact of Lean Production (LP) practices implementation on the supplychain of a public hospital.Originality: Most implementations fall short of their goals because they are done in a fragmented way and not froma system-wide perspective. Our approach allows to anticipate errors of misguided LP implementations in healthcareorganizations.Research method: The implementation of a set of LP practices in the hospital`s supply chain was assessed by computationalsimulation modelling, focusing on one of the most financially important product families.Main findings: Since the simulation model considers the variability of suppliers and customers as inputs, it allows theverification of the proposed inventory policies effectiveness, in order to avoid affecting the service level.Implications for theory and practice: The proposition of a method that integrates value stream mapping into computationalsimulation modelling brings a differentiated approach to analyze lean implementation in a healthcare supply chain.The simulation model supports a more assertive decision-making process on lean implementation, allowing the organizationto ensure that the quality and efficiency of healthcare is not affected.