scholarly journals The use of Lean Six-Sigma tools in the improvement of a manufacturing company – case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-35
Author(s):  
Tuan-Anh Tran ◽  
Khai Luu-Nhan ◽  
Rajab Ghabour ◽  
Miklos Daroczi

AbstractHandicraft production is usually chaotic and difficult to monitor, since its products and manufacturing processes are complex. As all the manufacturing steps rely on varied skill levels of the workers, the situation is even more stochastic. There are several common problems, such as inappropriate production method, line unbalance, excessive stock, lack of production planning and control phases, etc. They stem from the lack of suitable operation model, redundant workforce usage, and insufficient internal training activities, which lead to the waste of human resources. In this paper, a roadmap to improve the operational efficiency of handicraft manufacturing is suggested, using Lean-Six Sigma methodology and tools. A case study is conducted in a Vietnamese firm to show the validity of the approach.

Author(s):  
Orlando Roque Da Silva ◽  
Alessandro Marco Rosini ◽  
Arnoldo J H Guevara ◽  
Angelo Palmisano ◽  
Delvio Venanzi

Lean Six Sigma is a management focused on quality and productive performance in operating systems. This article discusses the foundations of this methodology through of two different conceptions of management, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. First of the article explain the DMAIC (define measure, analyze, improve and control) and their respective phases, after the Lean philosophy with the sipoc and value stream mapping techniques. The article aims to show integration of these two conception and their results. The methodology consisted in a theory was based on a literature search an exploratory research which consisted of three case studies in differences companies located in Sorocaba, São Paulo. In this article studies the applying of Lean Six Sigma and its results.


2016 ◽  
Vol 693 ◽  
pp. 1893-1898 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Qi Xu ◽  
Chao Huang ◽  
Hao Lu

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is an effective methodology that aims to maximize shareholder value by improving quality, efficiency, customer satisfaction and costs. Continuous integration is the software engineering practice of rapid and automated development and testing. A case study presented in this paper demonstrates how LSS tools help software R&D teams to improve product quality and reduce development cost. The define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) methodology is applied to develop an action plan to achieve continuous integration at an anonymous software R&D organization's LSS Green Belt project. The LSS implementation has had a significant impact on the financial performance of the organization. It is showed that the package continuous integration (PCI) success ratio (3 months average) increased from 27% to 74%, meanwhile an operational saving of approximately 56.87K Euro was reported from this project. Finally, some key success factors that are critical to the implementation of an effective Green Belt program are examined, and managerial implications are provided.


2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 594-624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narottam Yadav ◽  
Kaliyan Mathiyazhagan ◽  
Krishna Kumar

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to improve the yield of a particular model of a car windshield, as the organization faces losses due to poor performance and rejection.Design/methodology/approachThe Six Sigma DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) methodology is used to reduce variation and defects in the process. It is a methodology based on data-driven and fact-based analysis to find out the root cause of the problem with the help of statistical analysis. A worst performing model is selected as a case study through the scoping tree. The preprocess, printing, bending and layup process defects are reduced by analyzing the potential causes and hypothesis testing.FindingsThis paper describes Six Sigma methodology in a glass manufacturing industry in India for automotive applications. The overall yield of a car windshield achieved 93.57 percent against the historical yield of 88.4 percent, resulting in saving 50 lacs per annum. Due to no rework or repairing in the glass, low first-time yield causes major losses. Process improvement through focused cross-functional team reduces variation in the process. Six Sigma improves profitability and reduces defects in the automotive glass manufacturing process.Research limitations/implicationsThis case study is applied in automotive glass manufacturing industries. For service and healthcare industries, a similar type of study can be performed. Further research on the common type of processor industry would be valuable.Practical implicationsThe case study can be used as a problem-solving methodology in manufacturing and service industries. The tools and techniques can be used in other manufacturing processes also. This paper is useful for industries, researchers and academics for understanding Six Sigma methodology and its practical implementation.Originality/valueThis case study is an attempt to solve automobile glass manufacturing problems through DMAIC approach. The paper is a real case study showing benefits of Six Sigma implementation in the manufacturing industry and saving an annual cost of 50 lacs due to rejections in the process.


2021 ◽  
Vol 156 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S111-S112
Author(s):  
Y Wang ◽  
A Loboda ◽  
M Chitsaz ◽  
S Ganesan

Abstract Introduction/Objective DMAIC (an acronym for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) refers to a data- driven improvement cycle used for improving, optimizing, and stabilizing business processes and designs. Our goal was to utilize DMAIC principle of six sigma quality to improve histology slide quality. Methods/Case Report We “defined” the problem as suboptimal quality in endometrial biopsy slides (defects). Utilizing the DMAIC principle and adhering to a strict timeline, the defects found during baseline slide quality review were “measured” by linking the defects to specific histology competencies, which were addressed systematically for process improvement (PI). After PI, a follow up review (“improve” and “control” phases) was carried out to identify measurable outcomes as a testament to quality. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) During the problem “measurement” phase, the defects found in the baseline review of 175 slides were linked to four specific histology competencies (fixation, embedding, cutting, and staining). Processing was excluded as it is completely automated and standardized. Our analysis showed that 83.3 % of defects were linked to embedding (“tissue too dispersed”). As embedding competency depends on the size and nature of the tissue (e.g. mucus and blood admixed with tissue), grossing competency was also addressed along with embedding at the respective workstations. Recommendations were offered to the grosser, embedder, and cutter to reduce variables during the “improvement” phase. Follow up review was done on 196 slides. The number of defective slides decreased and the defects that linked to “tissue too dispersed” had an overall improvement of 91.3%. Once the PI is proven to be effective, in service to histotechnology personnel biannually were also offered during “control” phase. Conclusion We have demonstrated successful methods for improving histology slide quality utilizing DMAIC principle of quality improvement by six sigma methodology DMAIC principle can be creatively adapted in laboratory practice management to enhance quality.


Exacta ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-200
Author(s):  
Marina Langoni Linares ◽  
Eliane Da Silva Christo ◽  
Kelly Alonso Costa

Customers are each day more demanding with costs reduction, sustainability, quality improvement and shorter lead times. Since logistics operation is involved in every step of the chain, it becomes an important asset for companies to win market share. Seeking to attend the organizations and customers’ needs, Lean Six Sigma methodology could bring benefits to logistics services. Aiming to study those benefits, this article presents a case study about the interaction between the LSS and the loading process in a paper mill located in Brazil. The site had already adopted the DMAIC method in the manufacturing areas, but not in the service ones, which made it easier the implementation, guaranteeing the support and involvement of management. In the end of the study, it was possible to notice several benefits in implementing the LSS, as reduction of 32% of cycle time and 43% of performance improvement.


Author(s):  
Verónica Petra Hernández-Pastrana ◽  
Juan Carlos Kido-Miranda ◽  
Pascual Felipe Pérez-Cabrera ◽  
Norma Rodríguez-Bucio

In the defining phase of the Lean Six Sigma Methodology, opportunities for improvement must be identified, determined and interpreted the client’s voice to define the objectives with the work team that applies the tools, skills and knowledge so that the company is productive and competitive. This recent work shows how to obtain an objective that is specific, realistic, measurable and on time, being the key to a successful execution of improvement, the KPi that was worked was the percentage of bags with defect in the first section of a Manufacturer, identifying the average of defective bags, specifying to lower said average by 90% to be significant and quantifiable, so that the company can continue with the Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control phases, two of the critical operations identified with the parameters of quality required by the client as well as the calculation of the Takt Time of the process of the first section of the Manufacturer in order to observe the bottlenecks in the different operations that make up the area.


2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 12-29
Author(s):  
Iman Qassin Alsaffar ◽  
Hussein Salim Ketan

Lean Six Sigma methodologies and Ergonomics principles are the main pillars of this work given their importance in the implementation of continuous improvement in assembly workstations design. When looking at the introduction of the Ergonomics that has been affected by the integration of the Lean and Six Sigma for improvements, it is necessary to understand why these methodologies belong to each other and how they can be handled in the industrial field. The aim of the work seeks towards the impact of analyzing the integration of the basics tools of Lean and Six Sigma that enhanced Ergonomics highlighted the importance of using the priority matrix in the selection of the priority criteria. Two models of a system based on building a knowledge base were used to collect and record measurement data from information and facts. The first is the "Process-flow vs. Time Efficiency" relates to "value added and non-value added" activities. The second is the "Work-Condition vs. Ergonomics Effects", which focuses on postural movements of the worker. These integrative models are represented by the application of a system called "LSS + ERGO System". The appropriate state that can deal with this situation is the use of Smart Priority Matrices that will prove to be a useful tool. This method (tool) is possible to understand what actions are potential and important to be implemented, according to the track that the research will be taken. The results show that the improvement suggestions existing in the Improve stage focused on the opportunities that weigh larger than the average (10%)  obtain the acceptable procedures for optimization proposals can be identified as the research plan is presented for implementation. The case study has been implemented in the General Company for Hydraulic Industries/ Damper Assembly Factory.  


2018 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lee Steere ◽  
Marc Rousseau ◽  
Lisa Durland

Abstract Background: Continual improvement is a necessary part of hospital culture. This occurs by identifying opportunities for improvement that influence efficiency while saving money. Methodology: An investigation of intravenous device-related practices was performed by the nurses of the intravenous access team, pharmacy, and hospital operations at Hartford Hospital using Lean Six Sigma methodology. Central venous access device occlusion and tissue plasminogen activator variability was identified. Using observation, measurement of performance, and root cause analysis, the hospital's practices, policies, and equipment were evaluated for the process of occlusion management. The team utilized a Six Sigma strategy employing the elements define, measure, analyze, improve, and control, which is a disciplined, data-driven methodology that focuses on eliminating defects (waste). Interventions initiated based on the assessment performed by the team using the define, measure, analyze, improve, and control approach included replacement of negative displacement needleless connectors with antireflux needleless connectors and specialty team assessment before tissue plasminogen activator use. Results: Over the course of the 26-month study, Hartford Hospital experienced a 69% total reduction in tissue plasminogen activator use representing a total 26-month savings of $107,315. Other cost savings were reflected in areas of flushing, flushing disposables, and in a decrease in needleless connector consumption. Central line-associated bloodstream rates fell 36% following the intervention as an unexpected secondary gain, resulting in further savings related to treating this nonreimbursable hospital-acquired condition. Conclusions: This study examined the influence of using Lean Thinking and Six Sigma methodology as a tool in saving hospital money, resulting in better patient outcomes.


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