Purpose: This study aims to review the previous literature on the topic contained in the title in order to identify gaps in the existing research relating to lean supply chain-related issues within the pharmaceutical industry since limited attention has been devoted to this sector.  Design/methodology/approach: This study presents a systematic literature review that proposes an analysis and classification of the previous literature as falling within one of four categories, namely; the supply chain area, research approach, research objective, and lean supply chain elements.Findings: The results of this study indicate that most attention was focused on manufacturing, while upstream suppliers, downstream activities and the entire supply chain process have received comparatively scant consideration. Similarly, the issues of information technology management, supplier management, customer relations, and logistics management as well as practitioner involvement represent inadequately developed topics. Future research should address these omissions, in addition to the integration of quality compliance and digital innovation as they relate to pharma 4.0.Practical implications: This article serves as a guide to acquiring sufficient knowledge of the pharmaceutical supply chain prior to implementing lean supply chain management. Moreover, it is anticipated that the research it contains will contribute to eradicating the knowledge gap by expanding the existing limited body of literature on the adoption of lean approach in the PSC.Originality/value: This study is one of a limited number of literature analyses potentially helpful in developing a roadmap of lean principle application to the pharmaceutical supply chain

Purpose The application of lean thinking in the transportation industry provides opportunities to streamline operations with a value-added orientation. Prior literature shows evidence of limited application of lean thinking in the transportation operations of the pharmaceutical industry. This study aims to close this research gap by investigating the application of lean thinking for improving pharmaceutical transportation performance. Design/methodology/approach This study conducted an action research approach at an Indonesian pharmaceutical distribution company. One cycle in one year was analyzed; empirical data were collected and analyzed through direct observations, interviews and the study of company data and documentation. Findings The application of lean thinking in waste elimination allowed the delivered project to achieve a remarkable 40% reduction in overall transportation costs, 75% reduction in total lead time, 200% improvement in truck productivity and 100% improvement in truckload capacity utilization. Practical implications This study can guide the pharmaceutical industry toward achieving excellence in transportation operations through lean thinking implementation. Originality/value There has been limited research on this topic, and this study is the first attempt to generate new and significant evidence of a real-life application of lean thinking within the field of pharmaceutical transportation.

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