Abstract
Car theft remains a significant socio-economic challenge in South Africa, particularly in urban hubs like Johannesburg, where hundreds of vehicles are stolen daily despite advancements in vehicle security technologies. This study explores an innovative solution to this problem by investigating how lean manufacturing principles, traditionally applied to enhance operational efficiency, can be adapted to improve automotive anti-theft systems.
The primary aim was to develop a lean-based security prototype tailored to South Africa. The research followed a quantitative design, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 100 professionals across 26 automotive dealerships in Johannesburg's East Rand. Statistical analysis, including correlation and regression techniques, examined the relationship between lean manufacturing practices and existing vehicle security strategies.
Findings revealed a strong positive correlation between lean practices and enhanced security effectiveness. Although current anti-theft measures such as GPS tracking and immobilisers are somewhat effective, many lack integration, proactivity, and adaptability. The study proposes a lean-aligned security prototype featuring biometric access, RFID, AI-powered motion detection, and GPS geo-fencing, balancing advanced security with operational efficiency.
The research contributes to both theory and practice by extending lean thinking into the underexplored domain of vehicle theft prevention. It offers a scalable model that can help manufacturers and policymakers create smarter, more resilient security systems. Ultimately, this dissertation opens new avenues for designing innovative, locally relevant solutions to vehicle theft in South Africa and similar contexts.