Lean manufacturing tools applied to quality control and its impact on economic sustainability

This study reports a structural equation model (SEM) in which Lean Manufacturing tools associated with quality control are related to the benefits obtained in the Maquiladora industry of Ciudad Juarez (Mexico). A questionnaire was designed and applied to the regional industry to obtain information about the implementation levels of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA), Total Quality Management (TQM), and Poka-Yoke (PYK) tools and their relationship with economic sustainability (ECS). The variables were related through six hypotheses that were validated using information from 411 responses to a questionnaire. The objective of this research was to empirically and statistically measure the relationships of PDCA, PYK, and TQM with ECS to allow managers and decision-makers to better optimize the resources available to their companies. The findings indicate that the relationship between PDCA and PYK is the strongest of the models, and it is concluded that there is enough statistical evidence to state that PDCA, TQM, and PYK influence the ECS in Mexican maquiladora industries. Therefore, Top Management should focus their efforts on quality control in the use of a complete plan for the implementation of these tools to support decisions in the productive area and improve financial income.