Figure 3
The flow diagram illustrates a structured framework for “Lean digitalization”, organized into three vertical sections: stages on the left, stage characteristics in the center, and influencing factors on the right. On the far left, a rounded box labeled “Lean-digitalization” connects to three diamond-shaped stages arranged vertically: “Primary stage”, “Intermediate stage”, and “Advanced stage” into the left section. A color legend indicates red for primary, blue for intermediate, and green for advanced stages. In the middle column under “Stage characteristics”, several rectangular boxes list key elements aligned with each stage. These include “Lean production theory guidance”, “Self-identification and self-optimization of the process”, “Building a digital information system”, “Operation processes embedded in lean thinking”, “Scientific shaping of systematic and individual executive management and mechanism culture”, “I T technology models data”, “Continuously improve production operations”, and “Continuous management of lower processes”. Colored connecting lines from the stage diamonds link to these elements: “Primary stage” connects to “Lean production theory guidance”, “Building a digital information system”, and “Continuously improve production operations”; “Intermediate stage” connects to “Self-identification and self-optimization of the process”, “Operation processes embedded in lean thinking”, and “I T technology models data”; and “Advanced stage” connects to “Scientific shaping of systematic and individual executive management and mechanism culture” and “Continuous management of lower processes”. On the right, under “Influencing factors”, a vertical list of multiple implementation areas is shown in rectangular boxes. These include “Balanced production and construction (I subscript 9)”, “Standardized management (P subscript 1)”, “Customer value-based strategy (A subscript 3)”, “Lean inventory management (I subscript 1)”, “Continuous improvement mechanism (A subscript 5)”, “Standardized digital process system (I subscript 2)”, “Plan control (P subscript 3)”, “Overall supply chain coordination (I subscript 5)” “Lean-digital culture (A subscript 2)”, “Total production maintenance (P subscript 6)”, “Establishment of digital information systems (P subscript 5)”, “Real-time optimization of working parameters (I subscript 4)”, “Simulation of the whole process (P subscript 4)”, “Sound internal-external lean-digital organization structure (A subscript 8)”, “Continuous updating, maintenance, and reuse of integrated process data (I subscript 3)”, “Layout and processes optimization (P subscript 8)”, “Scientific guidance of process standardization (I subscript 8)”, “Employee involvement and training (A subscript 4)”, “Lean and digital logistic management (P subscript 7)”, “Collaboration through the whole industry chain (A subscript 1)”, “Agile processes and mass customization (A subscript 6)”, “Connection of man, machines, and materials network (I subscript 7)”, “Mechanization and automation (P subscript 2)”, “Flexible and dynamic operation system (A subscript 9)”, “Traceability of whole process (I subscript 6)”, “Visual management (P subscript 9)”, and “Innovative strategy system (A subscript 7)”. Colored lines connect the stage characteristics' elements to these influencing factors.Characteristics and influencing factors of each stage. Source: Authors’ own work