Exploring the intersections of lean, safety, and perceptual quality issues in supply chain management: case study of manufacturing firms implementing digital technologies and transparency initiatives

With the internet and the overall increase of e-commerce, it is more vital than ever to manufacture and deliver quality items on time, with minimal defects using lean manufacturing strategies, yet maintaining safety standards. Recent federal legislation has made adhering to safety standards more difficult by some industrial analysis. A relatively detailed case analysis of two manufacturing firms in Western PA and a consumer survey (n = 1,008) allowed for the foundation of evidence-based discussion of the intersections of lean, safety, quality within the background of the post-COVID era. The implications of lean manufacturing, supply chain transparency, technology, safety, for different companies were discussed and how each can benefit. Theoretically, safety is an inherent byproduct of implementing lean processes, but not guaranteed. The empirical section illustrated the universal acceptance and demand for quality manufactured products, but females were generally less willing to pay higher prices for it.