Proceedings of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management Dubai, UAE, March 10-12, 2020 © IEOM Society International A Lean 7S methodology framework to improve efficiency and organizational performance: A review study in an SME organization K. Mahlaha, N. Sukdeo and V. Mofokeng Department of Quality and Operations Management Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment University of Johannesburg Gauteng, South Africa kmahlaha@gmail.com nsukdeo@uj.ac.za vmofokeng@uj.ac.za Abstract The Efficiency and Quality in Manufacturing Business are some of the key differentiators between competing entities in the business environment and the marketplace. Therefore, improving Efficiency and quality of means of production or services standards is the one of the main obstacle confronting South African’s Small-Medium enterprises (SMEs) as well as other firms globally. Lean Approach techniques and methodologies are efficiency and process management Systems adapted largely from Toyota Production System (TPS). . Lean Approach is a gradual transformation overall work environment. Generally, Lean Approach is regarded as a set of tools to aid detection and Eradication of wastes in the process system. 7S Lean Methodology which could be applied by any scope organizations is derived from five Japanese lean 5s methodology; Sort, set in order, Shine, standardise and sustain, extended by Safety as well as Spirit in the recent years. This Methodology aids organisation in work environment for effectiveness and reduction hindrances in processes also enhances quality standards as well as throughput, through scrutinizing a prearranged work environment. This paper intents to evaluate prior investigations findings regarding values realised on implementation of 5S, as well as the extended 6s and 7s application and ability to improve efficiency in organisations for enhanced organisational performance. To assemble theoretical analysis various pertinent to the study objective narratives, articles and papers domestically and globally have been referred to. The outcomes illustrate that Lean 5s Methodology as well as the extended 6s and 7s Lean Methodology is an effective system to enhance of organisational performance, irrespective of organization scope. Therefore, 7S Lean Methodology would soundly aid the goals and purposes of organization to a realise sustained enhancement in organizational performance and throughput Key words: Lean 7S Methodology, Efficiency, Lean approach I. INTRODUCTION Small-Medium enterprises (SMEs) companies need to be sustainable and productive in order to thrive and contribute significantly towards the South African economy by creating jobs and eradicating unemployment. To be sustainable and productive, SMEs companies need to adopt efficiency improvement systems. Efficient World-class operations make use of continuous improvement strategies and efficiency improvements methods to stay relevant and compete in the ever-changing business environment. Most World class Companies also started as small enterprises who me efforts to learn, adopt and improve via different efficiency improvement systems. This study focuses on 7S lean framework for Packaging and fulfilment SME Company, Packaging and fulfilment is the process of designing, evaluating, and producing packages [1]. [1] Further States that the efficiency of SMEs in packaging and fulfilment is the ability to use various lean techniques such as flowcharts; brainstorming; benchmarking and 5W2H (what, when, who, where, why, how, how much). This includes generation of products eliminating waste, ineffective time and unnecessary energy use in the business [1]. 962