Purpose – The purpose of the study is to identify improvement opportunities in a SME’s semi-automated process to create the right pre-requirements if a fully automated process is implemented in production. The purpose was addressed through two research questions:

• Where can waste occur in a semi-automated process?
• What are the expected challenges with implementing a fully automated process?

Method – A single case study has been conducted using both qualitative and quantitative methods in the form of interviews, observation, and document study. Empirical data were collected at a case company within the surface treatment industry and further analyzed in comparison to the theoretical framework to answer the research questions and fulfill the purpose.

Results – The findings of the study revealed seven out of Lean’s 7+1 wastes. Furthermore, several expected challenges associated with implementing a fully automated process were identified which aligned with the theoretical framework. Therefore, SMEs should first map out the current situation and approach the decision to implement automated solutions from a holistic perspective. Thereafter, improvement opportunities should be distinguished before proceeding with a fully automated process. Lastly, SMEs must investigate and plan how to overcome expected challenges within the implementation.

Implications – The case study did contribute to an additional challenge to theory, pertaining to the implementation of a fully automated process in the surface treatment industry within SMEs. Additionally, the study supports existing theory as well as increases the knowledge about the expected risks with adopting automation. Moreover, an implication of the study is that practitioners need to be aware of the possible negative outcomes of automation by considering the entire value stream.

Delimitations – The study was carried out in a case company within the surface treatment industry and limited to one of the main industrial processes that the company has. The case study focuses only on analyzing the current state of the process and its operational aspects, therefore excludes the future state and any potential changes that the company might face.