Application of interpretive structural modelling approach for the analysis of barriers affecting lean manufacturing implementation in Indian manufacturing industry

India is endeavouring ambitiously to become a global hub for manufacturing. Global customers want persistent deliveries with mix model, defect free products and at lowest cost. Therefore, Indian manufacturing companies are making efforts to adopt lean manufacturing practices to satisfy their customers. Companies acknowledge lean manufacturing as a well-recognised approach to improve their competitiveness by reducing waste from the system but, in Indian context, it is still limited due to many impediments. Hence, the barriers must be examined and removed to ensure smooth implementation of lean manufacturing to gain its full benefit. In this paper, interpretive structural modelling (ISM) approach is applied to examine the relationship among the various barriers affecting implementing of lean manufacturing in Indian industry. Structural model for barriers is developed based on their driving powers and dependence powers. The outcome of the model portrays a systematic approach for removal of barriers affecting lean implementation through analysis of driving power and dependence power. The purpose of this paper is to identify the ranks and inter-relationships of lean manufacturing barriers. This may help in formulating the strategy to reduce the adverse impact of these barriers in Lean Manufacturing implementation.