A comparative analysis of lean manufacturing usage in Small and Medium Apparel Enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Companies in the South African apparel industry are being driven to improve their operational efficiency by implementing Lean Manufacturing Principles (LMPs) as a result of the severe competition that they face both locally and internationally. To evaluate the effectiveness of LMP implementation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating within the apparel sector in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), this research employed a quantitative methodology. The degree of LMP adoption and its influence on operational performance, quality management, and competitiveness are brought to light through a comparison analysis between a small-sized company (Company A) and a medium-sized company (Company B). The was gathered using a structured survey distributed to employees across different functional levels in both companies. The findings suggest that there are significant differences in the implementation of LMP between the two companies, with Company B reaching a higher degree of adoption and generating more substantial benefits in both efficiency and quality. When it came to smaller businesses, difficulties such as insufficient managerial assistance, limited resources, and knowledge gaps were more noticeable. This study enhances the understanding of LMP application in SMEs and offers recommendations for fostering lean adoption, minimizing waste, and encouraging sustainable practices and continuous improvement within South Africa's apparel industry.