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Volume 13 | Issue 1 | Year 2026 | Article Id. IJIE-V13I1P104 | DOI : https://doi.org/10.14445/23499362/IJIE-V13I1P104

Reconfiguring Apparel SME Production through Lean–SLP Synergy: An Empirical Case Study on Operational Performance Transformation

Alexandra Esther Catacora-Reyna, Alicia Belen Davila-Fernandez, Wilson David Calderón-Gonzales

Received Revised Accepted Published
07 Feb 2026 12 Mar 2026 02 Apr 2026 15 Apr 2026

Citation :

Alexandra Esther Catacora-Reyna, Alicia Belen Davila-Fernandez, Wilson David Calderón-Gonzales, "Reconfiguring Apparel SME Production through Lean–SLP Synergy: An Empirical Case Study on Operational Performance Transformation," International Journal of Industrial Engineering, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 34-46, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23499362/IJIE-V13I1P104

Abstract

Garment SME contexts often present situations prone to waste due to fragmentation of manufacturing flows and insufficient managerial competencies. Previous investigations have explored the boundaries of Lean tools and layout redesign to boost textile productivity. This research focused on a persistent waste situation at a garment SME, characterized by excessive transportation, reprocessing, and excessive cycle times. This study, following such context, proposed and implemented a production model integrating Lean practices and Systematic Layout Planning for flow improvement. A reorganization of workstations was carried out, demanding critical operation standardization and materials flow to be optimized. Operational efficiency increased (28%), production lead time decreased (22%), and the defect rate fell (18%). The economic and operational relevance of the findings was clearly demonstrated. Academically, the study consolidated empirical evidence concerning integrated Lean–SLP applications in SMEs. Practically, it created a structured roadmap adaptable to similar SME contexts. Further research should consider replication and extension of this approach in diverse contexts.

Keywords

Lean Manufacturing, Systematic Layout Planning, Apparel SMEs, Operational Performance, Production Flow Optimization.

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