scholarly journals Lean Six Sigma in the logistics of the loading process of a paper mill

Exacta ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-200
Author(s):  
Marina Langoni Linares ◽  
Eliane Da Silva Christo ◽  
Kelly Alonso Costa
Keyword(s):  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Paper Mill ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Lead Times ◽  
Loading Process ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Dmaic Method

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.

Improving logistics supplier selection process using lean six sigma – an action research case study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Huay Ling Tay ◽  
Hui Sen Aw
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Supplier Selection ◽  
Selection Process ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Logistics Services ◽  
Health Care Company ◽  
Care Company

Purpose Outsourcing logistical activities have become a widely used approach for firms to avoid high fixed costs and heavy investment requirements and to achieve competitive advantages. Lean six sigma (LSS) has been accepted globally across sectors as a management strategy for achieving process excellence. The purpose of this paper is to feature the application of LSS for improving the supplier selection process (SSP) of outsourced logistics services in a multinational health-care company. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on an action research case study conducted on the SSP of the freight and distribution department in a multinational health-care company. This paper reports on the application of the LSS define-measure-analyze-improve-control (DMAIC) approach for reducing supplier selection lead time. Findings The study features a real-world case study of the LSS DMAIC application to improve the supplier selection process of a large health-care company. The key issues that were identified are lack of information visibility, top-down changes and unclear communication lines. To counteract these three root causes, the lean six sigma techniques that are implemented are the 5S, stakeholder analysis and standard operating procedure. Research limitations/implications This research provided empirical evidence of how practical challenges in SSP can be managed with the use of LSS. It further proposed plausible solutions for reducing and sustaining improved outcomes. As the study is limited to one case, the validity of the results can be improved by including more organisations and more case studies from other similar organisations. Originality/value Research in supplier selection processes rarely links continuous improvement ideology such as LSS to support strategic selection and procurement of logistics services. This paper could serve as a resource for both practitioners to derive useful implications and to academicians as it contributes to the LSS body of knowledge for further theory testing.

scholarly journals Logistics services and Lean Six Sigma implementation: a case study

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 324-342 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leopoldo Gutierrez-Gutierrez ◽  
Sander de Leeuw ◽  
Ruud Dubbers
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Consumer Electronics ◽  
Value Stream Mapping ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Logistics Services

Purpose This paper aims to analyze the application of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) framework for supporting continuous improvement (CI) in logistics services. Both the lean philosophy and the Six Sigma methodology have become two of the most important initiatives for CI in organizations. The combination of both alternatives – LSS – brings significant benefits for companies applying this method, and its influence in logistics services can be relevant. Design/methodology/approach A case study on the logistics services of a large consumer electronics company is performed. In this sector, high quality in logistics services is crucial. Using within-case and cross-case analyses, the paper discusses the implementation of LSS in two internal logistics processes. Findings The paper identifies important implementation aspects when applying LSS to logistics services, such as CI structure, strategic analysis, cross-functional teams and process management. Furthermore, the paper discusses the potential in logistics services of the DMAIC (define, measure, analyze, improve and control) approach and tools such as value stream mapping, SIPOC (supplier, input, process, output, and customer) and process mapping. Practical implications The paper analyzes two logistics processes where LSS has been applied – a payment process and a request-to-ship process. The analysis of both processes offers relevant information about organizational implementation in a logistics services environment about process improvement and about the use of LSS tools. Originality/value First, this paper addresses the gap in literature about LSS and logistics’ activities. Furthermore, the case company, with more than 9,000 employees and distributing its products to more than 100 countries, constitutes a valuable source of information to obtain insights into the implications of implementing LSS in logistics services.

scholarly journals The Journey of Adopting Lean Six Sigma – from the Implementation Team’s Perspective: A Case Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 232-245
Author(s):  
Nicoleta Dorina RACOLȚA-PAINA ◽  
◽  
Nicolae Sebastian BUNEA ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Implementation Team ◽  
Operational Costs ◽  
Measurement Analysis ◽  
Long Duration

This paper proposes a case study undertaken within a Romanian company which adopted Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Methodology. The research objectives pursued are the identification of the way in which this process has proceeded, from the implementation team’s perspective. The primary data collected while interviewing them target both the positive and the negative aspects, as well as the benefits and the elements that still need improvement as part of the process of LSS implementation. The conclusions of our research indicate some of the positive aspects of Company A’s “journey” towards LSS namely: a totally committed management, well trained employees, openness to change from the implementation team and from part of the employees, and also the external consultant’s involvement when this was needed. The less positive aspects of the researched process were given by the need to get some of the instruments adjusted (these being specific to the field of production, as the researched team provides products, solutions and electro-technical and mechanical services), the lack of experience regarding LSS from the large majority of the members of the implementation team, and also the long duration of the Analysis stage as part of the D.M.A.I.C. Methodology (Defining, Measurement, Analysis, Implementation, Control) given the large quantity of data. One essential aspect identified is that, in the case of Company A, LSS implementation led to the desired results that is to the change of the organizational culture, to the reducing of operational costs and to performance improvement, and also to improving customer service.

scholarly journals Integrating of Lean Six Sigma Methodology and Ergonomics Principles for Improvement in an Assembly Industrial Workstation

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 12-29
Author(s):  
Iman Qassin Alsaffar ◽  
Hussein Salim Ketan
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Measurement Data ◽  
Value Added ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Work Condition ◽  
Research Plan ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Selection Of

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.  

Application of Lean Six Sigma methodology in the registration process of a hospital

2014 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 613-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shreeranga Bhat ◽  
E.V. Gijo ◽  
N.A. Jnanesh
Keyword(s):  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
College Hospital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Control Approach ◽  
Registration Process ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the scope of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) strategy and to explore its successful deployment in the Indian healthcare sector. Design/methodology/approach – The research reported in this paper is based on a case study carried out using the LSS DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Control) approach and its application in improving the registration process in the Health Information Department (HID) of a Medical College hospital in India. Findings – The study describes improvements in the HID through the power of LSS. Cycle time of the process was reduced from three to 1.5 minutes and the SD was reduced to 21.2 from 61 seconds. The project has shown a 94 per cent reduction in patients’ average waiting time. The study also reported a 91 per cent reduction in queue length and 48 per cent reduction in percentage of scheduled utilization of staff for the process. Research limitations/implications – The paper is based on a single case study executed in a hospital and hence there is limitation in generalizing the specific results from the study. But the approach adopted and the learning from this study can be generalized. The study is of use to healthcare practitioners seeking to implement or develop LSS further in their organizations. Originality/value – Although LSS being extremely successful in the last two decades, the application of LSS to the healthcare industry in general and HID in particular has been limited. This study illustrates how its application can improve the performance of the process and thus productivity in the department.

scholarly journals Applying Lean Six Sigma Methodology to a Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Facility: A Case Study

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 550
Author(s):  
Brian Byrne ◽  
Olivia McDermott ◽  
John Noonan
Keyword(s):  
Problem Solving ◽  
Pain Relief ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Pharmaceutical Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Companies ◽  
Productivity Losses ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
Area Of Concern

This research examines a case study on the implementation of an effective approach to advanced Lean Six Sigma problem-solving within a pharmaceutical manufacturing site which manufactures acetaminophen (paracetamol containing pain relief) tablets. Though this study was completed in a single manufacturing company, the implementation of this study delivers important application and results that can be deployed in other such manufacturing companies. The manufacturing site faced backlogs in customer orders due to increased demand. Increased demand is due to brand popularity and recognition, product efficacy and a COVID 19 pandemic that intensified the demand for pain relief tablets in an already very busy site. With increased demand, to ensure timely deliveries, customer satisfaction and minimize delays, sources of site productivity losses and wastes needed to be analyzed and reduced or eliminated. Manufacturing Packaging line downtime was identified as one area of concern. The goal of the research was to introduce a problem-solving technique to reduce downtime within a manufacturing site without affecting the production required to fulfil customer demand while increasing product quality. The research utilized an integrated LSS methodology which identifies, stratifies and effectively eliminates non-value adding (waste) activities, by following a 7-step customized problem-solving methodology which resulted in complete elimination of the issue under investigation and savings of just under half a million dollars. The learnings are being deployed and leveraged worldwide across the pharmaceutical organizations parent site and sister sites. The presented results demonstrated that Lean Six Sigma methodology and tools are effective for accurate root causing of problems and enablers of implementation of continuous improvement.

scholarly journals Control of the variability of the biofuel packaging process through the six sigma methodology: a case study

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 2020
Author(s):  
Walther Azzolini Júnior ◽  
Rafael Francisco Campos Pianno ◽  
Jorge Alberto Achcar
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Monthly Variation ◽  
Process Variability ◽  
The People ◽  
Quality Program ◽  
Six Sigma Methodology ◽  
And Control ◽  
Dmaic Method

The present work carried out the control of the variability in the biodiesel packaging through the application of the steps of the DMAIC (Define Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) of the Six Sigma quality program. The DMAIC method brings together a set of statistical and quality tools for the study of process variability. Prior to the project, in the period evaluated between June and October of the year 2017 the average monthly variation of loss was 387.7 liters with a standard deviation of 421.9 liters. After the implementation of the improvements between January and March of the year 2018, the average monthly variation was -3.187 liters with a standard deviation of 60.95 liters. This evolution in the control and reduction of losses in the container of biodiesel was possible through the actions of improvements and involvement of the people of the billing and shipping. After all the improvements implemented, the maintenance and continuity of the controls met two important requirements of the Six Sigma quality program: customer focus and financial impact.

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