A Comparison of Lean Logistics vs Traditional Logistics is Warranted
Manuel Baro *
Tecnológico Nacional de México Campus Nuevo Casas Grandes, Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chih., México.
Manuel Piña
Researcher at the Industrial and Manufacturing Department of the Engineering and Technological Institute, Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez, Cd. Juárez, Chih., México.
Judith Valdiviezo
Tecnológico Nacional de México Campus Nuevo Casas Grandes, Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chih., México.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
In recent years, lean logistics has revolutionized traditional supply chain paradigms by emphasizing superior service, operational efficiency, and enhanced business performance. Originating from Toyota’s innovative approach, this system has demonstrated significant potential in optimizing processes and reducing waste. However, despite its benefits, many companies remain hesitant to adopt lean logistics due to concerns over production delays, constrained profitability, and inadequate long-term planning. Such reluctance may hinder organizational sustainability and impede socio-environmental progress. This study underscores the urgent need for a paradigm shift in industrial and societal thinking, advocating for greater automation, waste reduction, and process refinement to maximize productivity. By embracing lean logistics, businesses can unlock sustainable growth, benefiting workers, managers, enterprises, and society at large. Adopting lean thinking for the supply chain results in a better reaction of the companies to adjust strategies, have better inventory management, better alliances with suppliers, and improve logistics costs. in the methodology, there is an analysis of cases, as well as a review of literature that in each case gives as a result a competitive advantage when using lean logistics.
Keywords: Lean logistics, process optimization, waste reduction, automation, sustainable business practices