Analysis of Lean Office concepts in an engineering design company in Sergipe

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18265/2447-9187a2026id9345

Keywords:

case study, design firm, lean office, waste reduction

Abstract

The pursuit of efficiency and competitiveness in administrative environments, where the value stream is intangible, has driven the adaptation of Lean Production principles to the Lean Office concepts. In this context, this study aimed to analyze the manifestation of lean practices in an engineering design company located in Aracaju-SE, seeking to identify waste and propose improvements for process optimization. The research was conducted using an exploratory-descriptive approach, commencing with a bibliometric analysis for theoretical grounding, followed by a qualitative case study with data collected through two complementary procedures: document analysis and direct participant observation, with findings categorized based on the seven wastes adapted for office environments. The results evidenced a hybrid scenario, first the coexistence of good practices, such as the centralization of communication in integrated systems and the use of visual management, which mitigated transportation and over-processing waste; conversely, persistent inefficiencies were diagnosed, specifically information overproduction, manifested as email overload, and waiting for external data. It is concluded that, although the company adopts effective punctual solutions, the systemic implementation of Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is necessary to transition from a push flow to a pull flow, ensuring greater operational efficiency.

Author Biographies

  • Luana de Jesus Souza, Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Sergipe

    Menstranda no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Civil da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), graduada em Engenharia Civil pela UFS e pós-graduada em Engenharia Diagnóstica pela UNIP, desenvolve pesquisa na linha da Construção Civil no Diretório dos Grupos de Pesquisa no Brasil aplicado a Processos Construtivos.

  • Victor Mateus Santos de Oliveira, Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Sergipe

    Menstrando no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Engenharia Civil da Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS) e graduado em Engenharia Civil pela UFS.

  • Débora de Gois Santos, Universidade Federal de Sergipe (UFS), São Cristóvão, Sergipe

    Possui graduação em Engenharia Civil pela Universidade Federal de Sergipe (1998) (UFS), mestrado em Engenharia Civil (2000) e doutorado em Engenharia de Produção pela Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (2004) (UFSC). Atualmente é professora Titular do Departamento de Engenharia Civil da UFS e revisora de periódicos.

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Published

2026-10-14

Issue

Vol. 63 (2026)

Section

Engenharias III - Engenharia de Produção

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Copyright (c) 2026 Luana de Jesus Souza, Victor Mateus Santos de Oliveira, Débora de Gois Santos

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How to Cite

DE JESUS SOUZA, L.; SANTOS DE OLIVEIRA, V. M.; DE GOIS SANTOS, D. Analysis of Lean Office concepts in an engineering design company in Sergipe. Revista Principia, v. 63, 14 Oct.2026.