Journal of Operational Research and Its Applications ( Applied Mathematics ) - Lahijan Azad University

DEMATEL is a Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method that accurately identifies the causal relationships between various factors. By determining the intensity of influence between these factors, this method prioritizes them based on their level of impact within a system. Consequently, companies can identify and prioritize the tools that have the greatest effect on improving production processes. Lean manufacturing is an approach that seeks to identify and eliminate waste from the production system. In this study, initially, 14 Lean production tools were identified through a literature review. Subsequently, based on expert opinions, 10 more comprehensive and complete tools were selected. Finally, these 10 selected tools were prioritized using the Fuzzy DEMATEL technique. The resulting prioritization indicates that the influential tools, including the use of the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle along with Kaizen, the application of ABC analysis for inventory control, the implementation of visual inventory control at workstations, and the influenced factors, such as the use of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to reduce machine breakdowns and the implementation of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM), are more effective in achieving Lean manufacturing. These tools help organizations optimize their production and achieve the goal of Lean production.