Purpose The purpose of the current research is to evaluate and enhance productivity in manufacturing systems through the assistance of lean agile and sustainability supply chain techniques. The research aims at developing a comprehensive framework consisting of performance measures, optimisation techniques and departmental analysis to enhance efficiency, responsiveness and resilience in manufacturing activities. Design/methodology/approach This study adopts a multi-case design using structured questionnaires and expert interviews across manufacturing divisions. Productivity is assessed via a scorecard approach. Harris Hawks optimisation (HHO) identifies optimal resource allocation, while the analytic network process (ANP) analyses interdepartmental dependencies through material, time and information flows. Chaos theory-based simulations evaluate disruption propagation and departmental resilience. Findings The integrated model identifies performance gaps and dependency-driven inefficiencies across departments. HHO optimisation demonstrates how internal reconfiguration can improve key operational metrics such as overall equipment effectiveness, cycle time and throughput without significant financial investment. ANP analysis reveals critical flow-based capabilities that influence cross-functional alignment and decision-making. The chaos modelling layer highlights how disruptions spread through departmental interlinks, providing strategic insight for proactive crisis management and system stabilisation. Social implications The study promotes socially responsible manufacturing by reducing waste, enhancing responsiveness and fostering sustainable practices. Improved supply chain efficiency can lead to better resource utilisation, lower environmental impact and increased job stability, contributing to broader societal goals such as economic resilience, environmental protection and ethical industrial development. Originality/value This research presents a novel, integrated lean, agile and sustainable (LAS) framework that merges LAS principles with new methodologies like HHO and the ANP. The novelty in this methodology lies in taking productivity and disruption resilience into account in its evaluation, thus providing practical suggestions to manufacturing firms in seeking global competitiveness and sustainable excellence.
C.S. et al. (Fri,) studied this question.