Abstract

The main objective of this exploratory research was to develop and validate a model to measure the maturity of manufacturing cells that operate according to the lean philosophy. A theoretical model was constructed based on parameters from the literature and information provided by a panel of experts. Using a questionnaire based on this theoretical model, a survey of 101 cell managers was carried out and the data collected were analyzed by partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results show that the maturity of a manufacturing cell can be measured using the three constructs 'Employee Knowledge and Skills', 'Quality and Continuous Improvement' and 'Cell Configuration'. Of these, the second had the greatest impact on cell maturity. The results also show that a fourth construct, 'Leadership, Autonomy and Communication', influences maturity indirectly. These findings may be used by managers of manufacturing cells and by researchers.