From Chaos to Control: Transforming Supply Chains with Lean Strategies
2026
Download PDFDOI: https://doi.org/10.60164/77i5xn4o7
Author:
Citation:
Saad, H. (2026) From Chaos to Control: Transforming Supply Chains with Lean Strategies. Lean Construction Journal 2026 pp 165-198. https://doi.org/10.60164/77i5xn4o7 (Submitted 25Aug2025; Accepted 02Jun2026) www.leanconstructionjournal.org
Abstract:
Question: What is the ability of Lean based supply chain practice, enabled by cultural adoption and selective implementation of AI and IoT, to enhance resilience and performance within SMEs.
Purpose: This paper assesses how Lean supply chain practice strengthened by culture and digital enablers enhances resilience in SMEs and proposes its significance globally for practice and policy.
Research Method: A mixed-method study method that utilizes survey data from 200 SMEs alongside 50 visits to and structured case observations of those SMEs.
Findings: Lean tools like Just-in-Time, Kanban and Value Stream Mapping lowered costs and lead times adequately. SMEs, due to their agility and cultural ownership of Lean implementation, also adopted Lean more successfully than larger firms. AI improved the capabilities of SMEs with respect to visibility and responsiveness, however financial and technical barriers limited effective levels of use.
Limitations: The framework has been validated against SMEs, where Lean could be considered agile and adaptable, however scaling to larger enterprises is challenging due to complexity and bureaucracy.
Implications and value: SMEs all over the world, especially in emerging markets, can apply culture-first Lean enablers and low-cost digital tools and build up supplier partnerships with the Resilient Lean Supply Chain framework.
Keywords: lean supply chain transformation; small and medium enterprises; operational efficiency improvement; localized supply chain networks; AI in supply chain.
Paper type: Full paper