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$1\mathrm{.}1$ INTRODUCTION

The automotive industry is one of the most intricate and internationally connected sectors$,$ with complex supply chains and fierce competition. The performance of the supply chain greatly influences overall success, encompassing cost, quality, and customer satisfaction. Emphasizing waste reduction and process optimization through lean principles is crucial for enhancing supply chain effectiveness in this sector. This research explores the impact of the supply chain on the automotive industry and the utilization of lean principles to enhance operational effectiveness.

The auto industry is a crucial sector in the world economy, known for its complex and vast supply networks. With growing need for innovation, cost efficiency, and sustainability in the industry, there is a rising reliance on advanced methodologies and technologies to improve operational efficiency. Out of these, lean principles and Industry $4\mathrm{.}0$ technologies have emerged as major forces for transformation.

Lean manufacturing stems from the Toyota Production System and emphasizes the eradication of waste, enhancement of process efficiency, and optimization of value delivery. The automotive industry has widely embraced principles such as Just$-$in$-$Time $($JIT$)$ production, Kanban systems, and continuous improvement $($Kaizen$).$ Their goal is to make operations more efficient, minimize lead times, and enhance overall productivity $($Womack & Jones, $1996$; Liker, $2004).$

Industry $4\mathrm{.}0,$ known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has brought about new ways of doing things in manufacturing and supply chain management through the incorporation of digital technologies like the Internet of Things $($IoT$),$ artificial intelligence $($AI$),$ big data analytics, and cyber$-$physical systems. Industry $4\mathrm{.}0$ technologies change how supply chains work by allowing real$-$time data collection, advanced analytics, and automated decision$-$making $($Kagermann et al$.,2013$; Xu et al$.,2014).$

It involves supervising the flow of goods, information, and finances between supplier, manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer, and consumer. Here is a simple summary of Supply Chain Management in the automobile sector. At first, the automotive supply chain was relatively straightforward and confined to a local area. Car companies purchased components from nearby suppliers and assembled cars in a central location. As the sector grew, supply chains also became more intricate. Businesses started obtaining components from different countries, capitalizing on affordable prices and unique skills found in different locations.

This worldwide progress required greater logistics and coordination to ensure timely delivery of parts for assembly, therefore decreasing expenses linked to large inventory. The automotive supply chain has encountered various challenges such as changing demand, labor conflicts, environmental calamities, and political unrest that have caused disruptions in supply chains. In conclusion, the supply chain in the automotive industry has transformed from simple, local processes to a intricate global network of interconnected companies, driven by advancements in technology and globalization.

need to meet evolving consumer needs and comply with environmental laws. Automotive supply chain management involves the coordination of planning, sourcing, production, and delivery of automotive components and products to customers. In order to ensure the effective functioning of every part of the supply chain, it is essential for all parties involved to work together and communicate effectively. In order to enhance supply chain effectiveness, the automotive industry has adopted several cutting$-$edge management techniques like just$-$in$-$time manufacturing, total quality management, and ongoing enhancement. Nevertheless, the company still faces problems regarding component supply, inventory management, and unreliable logistics$.$ Recent occurrences like trade disputes, the COVID$-19$ crisis, and chip shortages have emphasized the significance of supply chain resilience and flexibility.

$1\mathrm{.}2$ Background of the study

The automotive sector is an essential part of the worldwide economy, with intricate supply chains that reach across various nations and encompass thousands of suppliers. The competitiveness and profitability of automotive manufacturers are greatly influenced by the efficiency and effectiveness of these supply chains. Recently, lean principles have become a crucial strategy for optimizing automotive supply chains and enhancing overall performance.

Supply Chain Challenges in the Automotive Industry

The automotive supply chain encounters various obstacles that can affect how well it functions and performs. One major obstacle is the absence of clear visibility across the supply chain. Manufacturers may find it challenging to monitor order statuses and recognize possible bottlenecks or disruptions due to the large num