Dr. Bulent Koc | Digital Lean System | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | Istanbul Technical University | Turkey

Dr. Bulent Koc is a Ph.D. candidate in Textile Engineering at Istanbul Technical University with more than two decades of experience in the apparel and textile industry. His expertise lies in integrating lean production principles with digital transformation strategies to enhance efficiency and sustainability in garment manufacturing. Throughout his career, he has worked in diverse roles, from production planning and product management to certification and digital productivity systems. His current research focuses on designing sustainable digital lean models for ready-made garment enterprises, particularly in labor-intensive sewing operations. He has collaborated with multiple organizations, implementing projects on workflow optimization, efficiency enhancement, and the use of real-time Process Monitoring Devices (PMDs). By bridging academic research with industrial applications, Koc contributes significantly to advancing operational excellence and competitiveness in the textile and apparel sector. His work underscores the potential of digital lean transformation as a sustainable solution for future manufacturing systems.

Professional Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Bulent Koc pursued his academic journey entirely at Istanbul Technical University, specializing in Textile Engineering. He earned his B.Sc. in Textile Engineering, where he built a foundation in fabric production, apparel processes, and material technology. He then completed his M.Sc. in Textile Engineering, focusing on production management and optimization in knitted garment manufacturing. His master’s thesis explored methods to enhance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and lean principles in textile production environments. Currently, he is a Ph.D. candidate in the same department, expected to complete. His doctoral research centers on lean production and the development of sustainable digital lean models tailored for the ready-made garment industry. This work combines advanced lean management techniques with Industry, including real-time production monitoring, digital line balancing, and sustainability frameworks. Through this academic progression, Koc has developed a strong balance of theoretical knowledge and practical industrial insights in textile engineering.

Experience

Dr. Bulent Koc has built extensive professional experience in textile and apparel manufacturing since. He began as Production Planning Manager at Serfil Yarn and Fabric Factory, where he led efficiency projects and factory setup operations. Later, as Product Group Leader at Tars International Trade Ltd., he managed men’s wear collections and coordinated procurement. At Koton Mensucat, he advanced as a Product Manager, overseeing procurement and R&D in fabric development. he worked at Certurk Certification and Inspection Services, managing professional qualification certifications and training in textiles. His latest role was as Productivity Management Specialist at ITM Techsoft, where he developed digital lean systems, real-time data integration, and line balancing algorithms. Across his career, Koc has successfully combined lean manufacturing principles with technology-driven innovations. His projects consistently targeted productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness, making him a key contributor to both industry practices and applied textile engineering research.

Research Focus

Dr. Bulent Kocs research is centered on the integration of lean production systems with digital transformation in apparel manufacturing. His work focuses particularly on labor-intensive sewing operations, where workflow optimization and productivity are critical. He explores how real-time Process Monitoring Devices (PMDs) can track lean metrics, improve line balancing, and reduce inefficiencies. By combining lean principles with Industry such as digital data management and automation, his research offers scalable frameworks for sustainable production. He also examines the role of digital lean models in enhancing overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), minimizing waste, and promoting eco-friendly manufacturing practices. Field-based studies conducted in collaboration with Turkish textile companies validate his approaches and demonstrate measurable improvements in efficiency and sustainability. Kocs research bridges theory and practice, offering both academic contributions and real-world industrial solutions. His goal is to transform digital lean systems into a long-term driver of competitiveness in the apparel sector.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his career, Bulent Koc has been recognized for his contributions to lean manufacturing and digital transformation in apparel production. His applied research has been acknowledged at academic and industrial platforms, particularly in the field of textile engineering innovation. He has collaborated on projects supported, which emphasize efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness in textile SMEs. His industry-driven lean transformation projects were recognized for advancing operational excellence, including notable work in digital line balancing and real-time production monitoring. He has been invited to share his expertise at professional seminars and academic discussions on lean systems in apparel manufacturing. In addition, his involvement in mechanics-related awards and conferences reflects his interdisciplinary contributions to engineering-focused production methodologies. These honors highlight his role as a bridge between academic research and industrial practice, reinforcing his reputation as an innovator in digital lean textile systems.

Publication Top Notes

Conclusion

Dr. Bulent Koc demonstrates potential as a researcher in lean production systems and digital transformation in apparel manufacturing, with a strong practical background and research focus. His industry projects and contributions to operational excellence are notable, and his research has the potential to make a significant impact in the industry. With further development of his publication record and international collaboration, he could become a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.