Cláudia Pereira, Armindo Lima, Joel Henriques
This study analyzes the factors affecting the implementation of Lean methodologies, as well as the resulting benefits, using Bosch Security Systems as a case study. In an uncertain and volatile environment, such as that created by Industry 4.0 technologies, companies must be committed to operations management to ensure their efficiency and competitiveness. In this context, Lean methodologies emerge as a powerful management tool, and this study aims to enhance their benefits by identifying the factors that may affect their implementation. By combining a literature review with a quantitative approach, a questionnaire was applied to collect empirical data, allowing this study to address the gap regarding employees’ perceptions of the factors affecting implementation and its operating benefits at a subsidiary of a European multinational group. Statistical analysis of the data enabled us to identify constraints to the consolidation of Lean methodologies and the creation of the following three integrated groups: (1) technical and operational factors; (2) human and cultural factors; and (3) organizational and management factors. In addition, this study provides evidence of significant gains in terms of efficiency, quality, flexibility, and customer focus. Therefore, this research deepens our understanding of Lean thinking in complex operational environments by highlighting the importance of an integrated, adaptive approach that focuses on employee involvement.