CAUSES AND POSSIBILITIES FOR IMPROVEMENT OF A METALLURGICAL PRODUCTION LINE THROUGH THE 8 WASTES

Resumo

The metallurgical history of Brazil, which began between 1580 and 1640, was initially centered on the extraction of precious metals. Despite the industrial evolution over the centuries, challenges in production processes continue to affect the competitiveness of companies in this sector. Lean production, developed in the 1950s by Toyota, was designed to eliminate waste. The relationship between Lean philosophy and organizational culture is of great significance, while Value Stream Mapping (VSM) serves as a tool for identifying and eliminating waste within production processes. However, little has been explored regarding the eight types of waste in the metallurgical industry. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the causes and potential improvements in a metallurgical production line by identifying and addressing waste.The research adopts an exploratory qualitative approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, providing an in-depth understanding of the professionals involved. The analysis followed an interpretative perspective, examining the information in dialogue with the theoretical and cultural context. The findings demonstrated that Lean practices improved processes by reducing the time spent on non-value-added activities and increasing standardization. The eight Lean wastes are applicable to multiple areas of life, simplifying routines and enhancing productivity. Identifying and addressing these wastes brings positive benefits, such as greater clarity in organizational objectives and cost reduction. Despite initial resistance, a gradual implementation strategy is essential to ensure participants’ engagement, thereby fostering continuous improvement and a more effective organizational culture.