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The Sixth Sigma: Achieve Breakthrough Performance Using Six Sigma

Monday, February 15, 2010

Lean Six Sigma Program Office for Operational Performance Enhancement

Lean Six Sigma foundation is built into the Defense budget through a program office with tangible objectives. ...

... "Initiative #7: Establish agency Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Program Office to enhance agency operational performance and ensure common approach on LSS projects.
Performance Assessment - Progress towards the end state is assessed with performance indicators such as contract closeout timeliness, reducing cancelling funds, forward pricing rates, contract audit follow up reports, Lean Six Sigma implementation, quality assurance surveillance plans and eBiz electronic processing utilization. " ...


Via Defense Contract Management Agency: Fiscal Year 2011 Budget Estimates (PDF)

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Sunday, March 01, 2009

Healthcare Facility Efficiency

GE offers insights into an efficient healthcare facility validation process, where Lean Six Sigma methods can play a role. ...

... "As part of overall project management, we also apply operational excellence methodologies such as Lean and Six Sigma where appropriate. " ...


Via European Pharmaceutical Technology: GE Healthcare

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Sunday, February 01, 2009

Lean Is Easy to Grasp

Assembly Line by urbangarden on Flickr
While the concept of lean is easy to grasp, implementing it is a journey. Industry has yet to fully leverage its benefits. ...

... "At its most fundamental level, a lean approach to manufacturing entails just what you'd expect: stripping away the excess. Going lean means cutting costs and boosting efficiency at every stage of the manufacturing process. " ...


Via DC Velocity: Lean up your act

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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Lean Operations Team Implements Six Sigma

Starwood Lean Six  Sigma
Starwood implements lean and Six Sigma at its hotels to create operational efficiency and drive cost savings to the bottom line. ...

... "Our bottom up approach is called Lean Operations, and it includes using our talent onsite to reduce work and waste. And just to give you a sense of detail, here are a couple of examples. We refined our staffing model to match work to demand. We also outsourced bakers and butchers. And we expanded spans of control for managers and supervisors. The Lean Operations team is working closely with our six sigma teams to implement these productivity enhancements across our hotels. " ...


Via Seeking Alpha: Starwood Hotels

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Thursday, January 22, 2009

Cabot Micro Six Sigma Productivity Gains

Six Sigma reduces variability
Cabot uses Six Sigma to reduce variation and improve yield on products to drive growth. ...

... "Our activities, and I’ve stopped talking about this because I got bored talking about it, but we really have a robust and strong six sigma approach to how we go after variability reduction in yield improvement and quality improvement and we think that’s taking hold on the cost side. " ...


Via Seeking Alpha: Cabot Microelectronics Corp. Earnings Call

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Thursday, April 24, 2008

Lean Six Sigma Training

American Statistical Association offers web-based training program on April 30. ...

... "The session, Beyond the Factory Floor: Succeeding with Lean Six Sigma Outside of Manufacturing, will be presented by Roger Hoerl of GE Corporate Research. The webinar will briefly review the dramatic rise of the service economy, discuss challenges to proper application of Lean Six Sigma there, and then discuss practical approaches for overcoming them. " ...


Via American Statistical Association: New Web-based Training Program

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Tuesday, February 05, 2008

Wausau Paper Lean Six Sigma Cultural Approach

Wausau Paper discusses its lean and Six Sigma approach in the enterprise during its earnings call with analysts. Its Lean Six Sigma implementation varies across the lines of business. ...

Wausau Paper implements lean and Six Sigma

... "Where we have technical problem solving issues as it relates to high performance grades and specialty, you might see a Six Sigma approach with respect to broader cost reduction opportunity, you might see a lean approach being used and sorry to tell you it somewhat differs necessarily from one business to the other but it tends to be a continuous and intense cultural approach within the corporation. " ...


Via Seeking Alpha: Wausau Paper Corp. Q4 2007 Earnings Call Transcript

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Monday, December 03, 2007

Six Sigma Achievement in Process Efficiency is Awarded

ATMI is recognized for its use of Six Sigma to drive growth at the company in its product lifecycle. A number of Six Sigma projects have been deliver with operational efficiency benefits realized. The company was recognized at the Global Six Sigma Awards 2007. ...

ATMI achieves Six Sigma recognition

... "We are very happy to have our innovative approach to Six Sigma deployment independently validated, as it is a key contributor to continued growth, said Doug Neugold, Chief Executive Officer. This award is based upon our documenting how the tools and methodologies were used to design, develop, and commercialize our RegenSi(tm), AutoClean(tm), and Newmix(r) process efficiency solutions, each of which has the potential to save our customers many millions of dollars by bringing yield, cost, and throughput improvements to their processes, said Tim Carlson, Chief Financial Officer. Since inception, we've completed over 80 internal projects generating more than $20 million of savings for ATMI. " ...


Via ATMI: Best Achievement in Six Sigma

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Sunday, November 25, 2007

Lean SixSigma Healthcare Efficiency

Rising healthcare costs require a multi-pronged approach to control, including efficiency of the delivery systems. ...

... "Working with the area health systems to institute Lean Six Sigma to improve efficiency and quality at the major hospitals. " ...


Via Democrat & Chronicle: Medical Costs

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Tuesday, October 23, 2007

Human Approach to Six Sigma

Gallup has an interesting take on applying Six Sigma to people-centric processes. ...

... "Gallup has developed a powerful new approach to measuring and managing human performance -- HumanSigma. When The Gallup Organization applied Six Sigma principles to sales and service groups at several companies, it learned how much performance variation exists between seemingly similar work groups. " ...


Link: Gallup's Human Sigma

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Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Six Sigma Plant Operations Seen as Competitive Advantage

U.S. BioEnergy CEO shares insights on his company's use of Six Sigma to create an advantage in the competition with other ethanol producers. ...

... "Our six-sigma approach to plant operations is our way of doing things, and we're not real anxious to share that, Ommen said. " ...


Via Ethanol Producer: U.S. BioEnergy

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Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Lear Lean Manufacturing Implementation Drives Operational Efficiency Gains

Lear Corporation's lean manufacturing processes have driven productivity and operational efficiency for the company. Lear's lean implementation concentrates on the work environment, quality, the layout, and the flow of materials. ...

Lear Lean Manufacturing Implementation Meets With Success

... "Tony Coomer, the company's vice president of Advanced Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement-Seating Systems, said lean manufacturing techniques have been deployed throughout the company's global manufacturing network.

Lear employees are trained on LMS during a three-week workshop. The training is conducted at all Lear plants by a lean manufacturing leader and employees receive LMS certification upon successful understanding of LMS principles and validation of model line projects which deploy LMS.

Product design is another key element in Lear's Lean Manufacturing System. Product design teams rely on LMS principles to ensure products can be manufactured in a lean environment. Approximately two thirds of product costs are locked into the initial design of the product, Coomer noted, so any effort to reduce cost after the initial design stage can only influence the remaining one third of the product's overall cost. At one facility, for example, product design teams incorporating design for lean principles in a model year change realigned workstations, changed production flows and made other assembly line changes to boost productivity.

Plant layout also plays an important role in Lear's approach to lean manufacturing. Lear uses Value Stream Mapping (VSM) to understand work flow and identify waste. In addition, extended VSM allows Lear to eliminate waste from the entire value stream -- from supplier to customer. VSM encompasses items such as freight costs, inventory controls and production changes. " ...


Via Lear Corp: Lean Manufacturing System Hikes Productivity and Reduces Costs

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Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Machine Monitoring Delivers Six Sigma Data

Machine monitoring enables Six Sigma data collection and analysis. ...

... "The basis for effective Continuous Improvement programs such as Lean or Six Sigma is the availability and the access to reliable machine data. There are typically two approaches to data collection employed by manufacturers today. The first approach involves manual data collection and analysis - a completely paper based system. The second approach also uses data that is collected manually, but requires machine operators to input data estimates into a PC before it can be analyzed in an external database or enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.

Manufacturers realize that both approaches produce inaccurate data and limit the potential for meaningful analysis and effective decisions. Shoplogix's patented Plantnode solution eliminates manual processes in production. By fully automating data collection and analysis at the machine level and then presenting data in real-time, Plantnode reports and analytics are based on fact rather than estimate. " ...


Via Shoplogix: Advanced Machine Monitoring System

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Thursday, August 16, 2007

Six Sigma Data Analysis Approach Improves Business Intelligence

For companies to reap the value of business intelligence, competence in data analysis is key to success. An enterprise with Six Sigma experience will have a head start due to the data analysis discipline instilled in the DMAIC process. ...

... "Most organizations don't do this, though through the Six Sigma programs that some companies, like GE run, many more people are now being trained in this way. Their use of information in decision making changes dramatically after this type of training. " ...


Via destinationCRM: Business Intelligence

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Thursday, August 09, 2007

Six Sigma Innovation Stigma

Bob Nardelli's choice as leader at Chrysler is questioned, as his Six Sigma approach could stifle innovation needed to revive the ailing automaker. ...

... "But as a command-and-control executive, weaned on Six Sigma, Nardelli isn't the obvious leader for a company whose future depends on innovation. " ...


Via Business Week: Chrysler

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Sunday, August 05, 2007

Customer Satisfaction Essential for GE Leader

GE's Steven Sargent shares his disciplined approach to customer service and life. ...

GE's leaders focus on customer service through Six Sigma

... "I do use the Six Sigma problem-solving DMAIC methodology - define the problem, measure data inputs, analyse the data, improve the process, control the process - to solve problems at work and at home ... " ...


Via The Age: GE Australia Leader

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Monday, July 02, 2007

Kaizen Medical Performance

The NHS changes the way it works to make sure patients always come first, using kaizen methods to engage and empower their workforce. ...

... "Scores of frontline staff were asked to submit their ideas on improving the way the NHS is run under a new lean management scheme. " ...


Via Scotsman: NHS Recognized For Kaizen Approach

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Wednesday, June 06, 2007

Kaizen Enables Hospital Improvements

Hospital sees benefits from kaizen approach to continuous improvement, where the workforce is empowered to seek change. ...

... "Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Ind., focused on changing the culture and environment in its surgical area to improve operations. Practice changes were driven by stringent data analysis, as well some newer methodologies, including Lean Six Sigma and Kaizen. " ...


Via Infection Control Today: Hospital Efficiency

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Monday, May 21, 2007

Performance Improvement Breakthrough Services By Milliken

Milliken & Company forms a dedicated business group to provide Performance Improvement Services to the manufacturing sector. The new group is called Milliken Performance Solutions and will serve customers from the company's Spartanburg, South Carolina headquarters. Milliken is one of the largest privately-held textile and chemical manufacturers in the world. ...

... "The formation of Milliken Performance Solutions will expand these services to support companies outside of Milliken's traditional base and will report to Craig Long, Vice President of Six Sigma and Quality. The Milliken Performance System is a daily management system that provides a systematic, step by step method of running any operation more effectively and efficiently. The system is in place at over 60 plants worldwide and can support both discrete and continuous process manufacturing plants. The system overcomes the limitations of conventional Lean Six Sigma programs by providing a more comprehensive approach that leads to dramatic breakthroughs in cost reduction, higher morale, increased customer satisfaction, and a cleaner safer environment. " ...


Via Milliken & Company: New Business Line Provides Performance Improvement Services

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Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Five-9s Availability Achieved Through Six Sigma Discipline

EMC uses Six Sigma methodology to drive availability improvements in its products to five-9s performance levels. ...

Clarion products are improved using Six Sigma methods

... "Traditionally, only high-end storage systems designed for the most mission-critical applications have delivered Five 9s availability. EMC designed an entirely new midrange architecture - UltraScale - to deliver the highest levels of availability in affordable, scalable and easy-to-use systems that meet a wide range of storage needs. Over the past year, EMC utilized a comprehensive Six Sigma-based approach to track and calculate availability metrics of both the Fibre Channel and Fibre Channel/iSCSI versions of the EMC CLARiiON CX3 UltraScale systems, including a thorough analysis of the root cause of unplanned customer system downtime whether hardware, software or process-related. " ...


Via EMC: EMC Clariion CX3 Ultrascale Systems Achieve Highest Midrange Storage Availability and Quality Benchmark

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Thursday, April 26, 2007

Project Charter: Lean Six Sigma Approach For Smart Operations

Bearing Point will assist military in their improvement program, which builds on Lean Six Sigma methods. ...

... "The Air Force's Smart Ops program charter incorporates both Lean and Six Sigma business process improvement tools. " ...


Air Force Work Process Improvement

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Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Textron SixSigma Principle-Based Experience Shared At Summit

At WCBF's Lean Six Sigma Summit, Textron's John W. Mayers, VP of Six Sigma and Transformation, will share insights on the principled-based leadership employed at his company. ...

Textron uses Lean Six Sigma to drive its success

... "Mayers will be addressing an audience of senior level business and continuous improvement leaders from across all industries striving for business improvement by sharing Textron's experience with Six Sigma and Lean principles. Textron's Six Sigma model is a comprehensive, common set of tools and techniques applied to all functional areas to eliminate waste, reduce variation, and fuel growth and innovation. Textron's unique combination of powerful methodologies woven into a single holistic approach makes Textron Six Sigma an especially robust improvement mechanism for the company. Textron Six Sigma also plays a key role in talent development for the company. " ...


Via Textron: Textron's John Mayers Delivers Remarks At Lean Six Sigma Summit

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Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Quality Execution System Integrates into ERP

Apriso Corporation improves the functionality of their FlexNet Quality application – with a Quality program capable of performing purely as an execution application, or as a Quality Execution System. ...

... "This application enhancement provides manufacturers a viable alternative to purchasing third party Quality Management Systems (QMS), which can often be challenging to integrate with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications because of overlapping business processes, incompatible quality plans and data collection activities. Apriso's FlexNet QES was designed instead to complement existing functionality within ERP systems provided by vendors such as SAP, Microsoft, Oracle or Infor Global Solutions. Few will argue the importance of an effective quality assurance program to achieve global manufacturing excellence - the challenge lies in how to effectively design, execute and administer such a program. One approach has been to purchase a third party QMS to provide planning, execution and reporting on overall product quality. The problem with this approach is that many existing quality management functions within ERP systems already perform most of these tasks, so any benefits from a QMS implementation are reduced through a duplication of efforts and data reconciliation issues.

Quality Execution Systems recognize that ERP applications are designed as centralized data repositories, providing a global view of corporate performance, customer interactions, and order status while supporting Quality Assurance (QA) planning efforts best performed at the corporate level. Best-in-class manufacturers have demonstrated that quality execution is best performed as an embedded process - not as loosely linked activities - within production, maintenance and warehouse operations. " ...


Via Apriso: Quality Execution System

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Tuesday, April 10, 2007

SixSigma Enables Unified Communications Cost Efficient Service For Ford

Getronics receives contract with Ford to install, deploy, and manage a voicemail, audio conferencing, and web collaboration solution that is based on the Cisco Unified Communications solution. ...

... "Getronics' dedication to the Six Sigma methodology, a disciplined approach to quality that drives cost efficiency in service delivery, will play a key role in the implementation. The new unified communications solution delivered and managed by Getronics will enable a year over year savings, while consolidating Ford's technology infrastructure onto a single networking infrastructure. " ...


Via Getronics: Unified Communications For Ford Motor Company

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Tuesday, April 03, 2007

Organizational Development Supports Lean Initiative

Companies are well-served by investing in their talent - recruiting, retaining, and aligning to enterprise initiatives. ...

AEP invests in educating their workforce on their key initiatives, such as lean

... "At AEP, when a new approach is being introduced, such as lean manufacturing, everyone in the facility has some level of training to have a company-wide knowledge base. " ...


Via Connecticut Business Journal: Create Employee Connection to Your Organization

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Tuesday, March 13, 2007

Microsoft Dynamics Lean Enterprise Solution

Microsoft will integrate lean techniques into its Dynamics software solution. ...

... "As a part of this new program, Microsoft announced Microsoft Dynamics Industry Solution for Lean Enterprises that will expand the core functionality of the Microsoft Dynamics AX solution. This expansion via a code acquisition from eBECS Ltd., a privately held company that delivers a complete lean enterprise solution, will enable customers to optimize processes and better connect and integrate the entire supply chain, from the customer to the supply partners, to support demand-driven operations. Microsoft Dynamics Industry Solution for Lean Enterprises will be available to customers as a separate module as part of the Advanced Management edition of Business Ready Licensing by the end of calendar year 2007, initially in English only. Microsoft plans to integrate the acquired code into the next release of Microsoft Dynamics AX and have it localized for all Microsoft Dynamics AX languages. " ...


Via Microsoft: Microsoft Dynamics Deepens Industry Investments: New acquisition, industry investments and ISV solutions certification reiterate balanced approach to delivering industry-relevant software.

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Friday, March 09, 2007

Manufacturing Consolidation Optimize Lean Opportunities

Aerosonic Corporation will consolidate manufacturing functions at its Clearwater, Florida facility. The consolidation is a continuation of Aerosonic's actions to be more responsive to customers' needs and to increase operational efficiency. ...

Aerosonic consolidates manufacturing footprint to focus its lean efforts

... "Avionics Specialties manufactures angle of attack stall warning systems, integrated multifunction probes, which are integrated air data sensors, and other aircraft sensors and monitoring systems. The Company will execute the consolidation plan in a phased approach to maintain delivery schedules and product quality. David Baldini, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: We are restructuring the Company in a way that maximizes efficiencies and increases profitability. This consolidation allows us to focus on continuous improvements in our processes and optimize lean manufacturing opportunities to ensure the best use of our resources and gain a new level of efficiency that is required to remain competitive. " ...


Via Aerosonic: Aerosonic Announces Consolidation of Manufacturing Operations ...

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Thursday, December 28, 2006

Six Sigma Defect Elimination: Haz Waste Elimination

COAST GUARD WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL
US Coast Guard uses Six Sigma DMAIC process to minimize defects in the elimination of hazardous waste. Voice of the customer surveys identified training improvements as low-cost, low-risk approach to creating measureable change in performance. Green techniques to environmental improvement is recognized. ...

... "The team followed the Six Sigma DMAIC process improvement model (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control). The team designed and performed a comprehensive Customer Survey targeting all the Environmental Compliance Officers (ECOs) from the various tenant units. Customer surveys revealed that training and knowledge of the system was sporadic due to ECO turnover and the lack of tenant command emphasis. The team quickly acknowledged that a robust and continual education and outreach program would be needed to improve the overall success of the Hazmat management program. In April 2005, a comprehensive training session was successfully implemented and is now offered on a monthly basis by the EB. " ...


Via US EPA: 2006 Awards: Champions of Green Government Awards | Region 9: Federal Facilities ...

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Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Six Sigma: Ram Charan on Balance with Growth

Ram Charan shares his views on management and leadership. He views Six Sigma as too internally focused and recommends a balanced approach with growth initiatives. ...

... "It's probably also true to say that Six Sigma has most often been applied to improve internal processes, by reducing costs and improving productivity. This is important work, of course, but you need to balance that by not forgetting initiatives that increase revenue. " ...


Via CEO Forum Group: Read

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Tuesday, December 19, 2006

DCS Distributed Control System Implementation: Six Sigma Context

ARC sees good growth in the distributed control systems (DCS) market and expects some shifts in the marketplace causing migration of control systems. Any migration of technology should be achieved in the context of a disciplined improvement process, such as Six Sigma. ...

... "ARC advocates that end users must take the same approach to control system migration that they would to overall control system selection, all in the context of a six-sigma style continuous improvement process. " ...


Via Processing Talk: DCS Market Growth

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Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Six Sigma Foundation for Professional Services

Network solutions company builds its professional services on a foundation of Six Sigma and project management certification, the PMP credential. ...

... "PSG is staffed by an experienced PMP-certified team that delivers professional and managed services backed by the skills and tools of a seasoned team. The Group adheres to the Six Sigma approach, a disciplined, data-driven methodology that effectively eliminates defects and failures at all stages of the product and service cycle. " ...


Via Verso Technologies: Verso Expands Professional Services Group ...

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SixSigma DOE Experience

New product manager trained in Design of Experiment (DOE), a successful and methodical approach to new product development, that is part of the Six Sigma toolbox. ...

... "Andy has a PhD in Physical Chemistry from the University of Nottingham, UK, and a Masters of Science in Surface and Colloid Chemistry from the University of Bristol, UK. He is trained in Six Sigma Design of Experiments and has written numerous papers which have been published globally. " ...


Via Indium Corporation: Indium Corporation Hires Product Manager for Semiconductor Packaging Materials ...

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Saturday, October 28, 2006

Lean Training Canada

Ontario Canada invests in lean training to improve global competitiveness. ...

Ontario begins lean manufacturing training program ...

... "Bentley and the Honourable Perrin Beatty, President and CEO of CME, signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the 3M headquarters in London, outlining an agreement to develop more expertise in lean manufacturing, a total approach to manufacturing that emphasizes quality, efficiency and doing things from a customer point of view. " ...


Via CNW Group: McGuinty Government Supporting Development And Sharing of Expertise in Manufacturing Sector ...

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Wednesday, October 11, 2006

Government Kaizen Initiative

Local authority uses kaizen methods to improve services and their success is recognized. ...

Shire recognized for kaizen initiative

... "Following recognition at national level, Aberdeenshire Council's Kaizen initiative is now a beacon of excellence across Europe after taking an international award for continuous improvement.

The Aberdeenshire approach on this theme is based on the Kaizen model. Kaizen is a Japanese expression meaning making something as good as it can be and the process engages teams of employees in concentrated blitzes to identify more efficient ways of working. The exercise has been driven by Chief Executive Alan Campbell and his Senior Management Team since 2004, and is supported by facilitators in all of the council services and Kaizen Champion Pat Browne. For each blitz undertaken, a team leader is appointed and in turn selects a team of between 10 and 14 people who are close to the process to be improved. " ...

Via Aberdeenshire Council: Aberdeenshire Blitzes competition to take European award ...

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Thursday, September 28, 2006

Kaizen System: Perform to the Next Level ...

The lean kaizen approach to continuous improvement is just what the doctor ordered to enable an organization to achieve the next level of performance. Article discusses the successful formula applied by Toyota and other manufacturing companies, that can translate to organizations in other industries. ...

... "Based on Kaizen, which means continuous improvement, it is a systematic approach to identifying and eliminating waste. " ...

Via American Venture Magazine: When you are on the Plateau ...

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Monday, September 25, 2006

Manufacturing Software: Lean Integration ...

Factory Logic collaborates with the Automation and Drives Group of Siemens AG to integrate the Factory Logic Lean software into the Siemens SIPLACE manufacturing optimization solution. ...

Siemens and Factory Logic collaborate to bring lean manufacturing to factory software solutions ...

... "Siemens will integrate the Factory Logic Lean Operations Suite (Factory Logic) into SIPLACE manufacturing optimization solutions for the global electronic assembly market. SIPLACE is the Siemens product family name for integrated hardware, software and services solutions to support the entire SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production facility. Factory Logic is a software solution designed from the ground up to support demand-driven production scheduling and pull-based supply synchronization using proven lean methods originally pioneered in the Toyota Production System (TPS). As part of SIPLACE lean manufacturing solutions, Factory Logic will enable electronics manufacturers to perform advanced production leveling and kanban/supermarket management functions in conjunction with SIPLACE SMT machines and other Siemens solution components. Factory Logic supports an integrated approach that directly links production to actual customer demand, while maintaining the stability required for consistent, reliable, waste-free factory and supply chain operations. Siemens will sell and support the Factory Logic software as an embedded component of SIPLACE solutions globally. " ...

Via Factory Logic: Siemens to Integrate Factory Logic Lean Manufacturing Software Into SIPLACE Electronics Assembly Solutions ...

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Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Selection Process: Six Sigma Improves Analysis ...

The Six Sigma methodology improves the selection process for Canadian bakery. ...

Six Sigma analysis supports selection ...

... "Canada Bread Frozen Bakery applied Six Sigma methodology, a fact-based analytical approach and discipline, to the process of selecting CHEP as an alternative to the pallet exchange program. " ...


Via MRO: Canada Bread uses Six Sigma to improve pallet administration and reduce machinery downtime ...

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Thursday, September 14, 2006

Lean Differentiates in Marketplace ...

XCEL Power differentiates itself in the marketplace through a lean manufacturing approach. ...



... "This, coupled with our Lean Manufacturing approach, has made us responsive to the requirements of the oil exploration equipment market, while still offering our customer a cost effective product. " ...

Via EMRISE CORPORATION: XCEL Power Systems Ltd Has Received Initial Orders for Power Systems for U.S. Manufactured Oil Exploration Equipment ...

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Sunday, September 10, 2006

Six Sigma Approach Seminar This Weekend ...

Upcoming Six Sigma seminar ...

... "Saturday, Sept. 16: Project Management Institute Central Virginia Chapter, 8 a.m., Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield, 2015 Staples Mill Road. Presenter: Venkata Bodapati. Topic: Six Sigma Approach, Tools & Techniques. " ...

Via Richmond Times-Dispatch: METRO BUSINESS CALENDAR

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Tuesday, August 22, 2006

Simplify Processes: Lean Six Sigma

Team applies Lean Six Sigma principles to simplify processes ...

... "A team applied the Lean/Six Sigma approach to mapping out processes that are defined in our ES&H manual for LO/TO. The purpose was to clarify and simplify. Previously, the program was so complicated that some users, I am told, went to the law for direction rather than to our manual. Significant clarification and simplification was achieved. Great compliments to that team, and I hope that that will lead to similar work in other areas. " ...

Simplify Processes: Lean Six Sigma: Via Sandia Lab News, Open season on bureaucratic processes ...

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Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Six Sigma: Data-Based Motivation

Motivation is needed to accelerate culture change. A data-based approach to change can be motivating to the workforce if key variables are tracked. ...

... "A more significant impact on organizational performance improvement has been obtained from initiatives like Six Sigma and TQM – systematic, data-based methods for solving operational problems and enhancing performance. " ...

Via Management Issues: The behavior-consequence relationship

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Monday, August 14, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Strategy: Workforce Culture ...

Lean culture moves ownership of continuous improvement to the workforce. ...

... "Many recommend moving to a lean manufacturing strategy, using a step-by-step tool such as Six Sigma to reduce cycle time from order taking to product delivery. The lean approach requires a company culture where workers take ownership of the processes, continually look for ways to improve them, and are rewarded financially for their success. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Strategy: Workforce Culture: Via Chicago Tribune: Workers contribute to bottom line ...

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Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Toyota Kaizen Obeya Room ...

Delphi Corporation and The Furukawa Electric Company collaborate to support Toyota's R&D and manufacturing divisions with a new facility, local staff, and a kaizen strategy for success. ...

Toyota kaizen strategy supported by supplier joint venture ...

... "The facility allows for greater flexibility in creating a tailored product for Toyota, which is strengthened by close contact and coordination. The facility also has an Obeya room where a cross-functional team can come together to solve problems quickly as part of Toyota's Kaizen approach to project management. " ...

Toyota Kaizen Obeya Room: Via Delphi: Delphi Furukawa Opens Customer Service Center in Ann Arbor ...

Definition of Obeya room ...

Via Lean Product Development from TBM Consulting Group - The Process: "Obeya: Big room – bringing all the people into one room to make critical decisions. "

The Toyota Way: Via Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia: "They are no more obvious than in the project room, or obeya where concise charts show the state of the project."

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Wednesday, July 05, 2006

Lean Six Sigma: Uniform Initiatives, Common Processes ...

Cardinal Health announces organizational changes to align its manufacturing businesses and focus on market expansion outside of the United States. ...

Cardinal reorganizes to align its Lean Six Sigma manufacturing initiatives ...

... "David L. Schlotterbeck, 59, has assumed additional responsibility for Cardinal Health's Pharmaceutical Technologies and Services (PTS) and Medical Products Manufacturing (MPM) segments, in addition to his current responsibility for the Clinical Technologies and Services (CTS) segment. As chief executive officer of Pharmaceutical and Medical Products, Schlotterbeck will lead an organization of approximately 23,000 employees and $6 billion in revenues. The company said PTS, MPM and CTS will remain separate financial reporting segments and separate internal organizations, however the new structure will foster a uniform approach to lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives, and common processes for innovation, research and development, and sourcing. " ...

Lean Six Sigma: Uniform Initiatives, Common Processes: Via Cardinal Health: Cardinal Health Aligns Manufacturing Businesses, Names International President ...

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Monday, June 12, 2006

Lean Manufacturing: Printer Manufacturer Achieves Success ...

Lean manufacturing recognition for Z Corporation ...
Z Corporation achieves industry recognition for its lean manufacturing implementation. ...

... "Dubbed the Nobel Prize of Manufacturing by BusinessWeek, the Shingo Prize is recognized as one of the premier manufacturing awards and recognition programs in North America for the practice of lean manufacturing, a process that eliminates waste wherever possible. Z Corp. is one of four 2006 Northeast Shingo Prize recipients. Z Corp. employs lean manufacturing tools and techniques such as single-piece flow, customer-driven production, standardized work, kanban systems, and a quality at the source approach to drive improvement efforts. Since 2003, Z Corp.'s lean manufacturing processes have enabled the company to increase factory output by 300 percent, employee productivity by more than 45 percent, and inventory turns by more than 50 percent while maintaining an on-time delivery rate of more than 95 percent.
Z Corp manufactures printers using lean methods ...
Z Corp. practices lean manufacturing on multiple levels – first, through our internal achievements and second, by enabling our customers to streamline their own manufacturing cycles, said Mike Vogel, director of operations, Z Corporation. Our lean manufacturing commitment is an integral part of our commitment to helping companies bring better products more quickly to market. Bruce Hamilton, president of GBMP and administrator of the Northeast Shingo Prize, called Z Corp. a model for continuous improvement and world-class results. We congratulate the employees of Z Corp. for making the company a strong, world-class manufacturer in Massachusetts and on a job well done. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Printer Manufacturer Achieves Success: Via Z Corp: Z Corporation Recognized for Exemplary Lean Manufacturing Achievements ...

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Sunday, May 21, 2006

DOD Six Sigma: Operations Efficiency ...

DOD Six Sigma drive operations efficiency ...
Secretary of Defense validates importance of Six Sigma to military ...

... "Q: Sir, a separate but related question. The Army is currently implementing a Lean Six Sigma program to improve efficiency and efficacy in its operations. Have you given thought to applying such an approach DOD-wide?

SEC. RUMSFELD: The private industry, of course, has been doing that for a number of years. I'm pleased the Army is doing it. It does make sense for other elements of the department to do it, and I know that there have been discussions along that line, but I just don't happen to know off the top of my head where they stand. But I -- we can certainly check on it. " ...

DOD Six Sigma: Operations Efficiency: Via DoD: Department of Defense Town Hall Meeting with Secretary Rumsfeld and Gen. Pace ...

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Saturday, May 06, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Software: SAP Integration ...

SAP connecor integrates with lean manufacturing software ...
Ultriva lean manufacturing software integrates with SAP through real-time connector. ...

... "Customers using SAP and Ultriva will be able to use Ultriva as their lean execution system while continuing to use SAP as their system of record for inventory and purchasing data. This approach allows customers to leverage their investments in SAP while substantially improving on-time delivery and reducing inventory through best-in-class lean manufacturing techniques. As material is consumed and Ultriva kanban cards are scanned, SAP will be updated in real-time with new purchase orders or purchase order receipts. This approach eliminates data entry and streamlines processes, allowing shop floor operators to focus on the factory floor while knowing that all of the necessary information is being provided to the SAP system. Ultriva's SAP Connector uses standard SAP BAPI (Business Application Program Interfaces) to ensure secure and reliable data sharing. The SAP Connector is an extension to Ultriva’s Integration Platform, which includes a toolset for rapidly creating or extending integration touch points while guaranteeing zero lost transactions. The Ultriva toolset now has the ability to dynamically import BAPI definitions, including tables, structures and rowsets dramatically reducing the time required to map to new or customized SAP integration touch points. This combination of flexibility and support for SAP BAPIs allows Ultriva to quickly deliver to SAP customers customized integration touch points which match their configuration of SAP. In addition to BAPI support, Ultriva’s Integration Platform ensures rapid, cost-effective integration with almost any IT system through bi-directional communication via SQL databases, XML, flat-file, EDI, terminal emulation and other custom API. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Software: SAP Integration: Via Ultriva: Ultriva Lean Manufacturing Software Announces Real-Time SAP Connector ...

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Friday, May 05, 2006

Kaizen Team: Lean Initiative for Laser Production ...

Team uses kaizen to initiate lean manufacturing program ...
... "Mark Blodgett, President and Chief Executive Officer, announced that StockerYale's Montreal manufacturing facility has implemented a lean manufacturing initiative for its laser production lines. Lasers represent approximately 80% of the revenues generated in this facility. The Montreal site selected a cross functional team and worked with Bell Nordic, a Canadian consulting and training firm, on team leadership and self-directed work team training. The Company chose Bell Nordic to facilitate employee empowerment and mobilization for the Kaizen approach to lean manufacturing. After training, the Kaizen team implemented a revamped process flow for better customer response through shorter cycle times, improved product quality and for reduced waste costs from scrap, rework and warranty expense. Additional continuous improvement projects underway this quarter will complete a 5 S manufacturing environment and streamline strategic processes. " ...

Kaizen Team: Lean Initiative for Laser Production: Via StockerYale: StockerYale Announces Lean Manufacturing Initiative

StockerYale, Inc., headquartered in Salem , New Hampshire , is an independent designer and manufacturer of structured light lasers, LED modules, and specialty optical fibers for industry leading OEMs. In addition, the company manufactures fluorescent lighting products and phase masks. The Company serves a wide range of markets including the machine vision, industrial inspection, defense, telecommunication, sensors, and medical markets.

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Tuesday, April 11, 2006

Lean Principles: End-to-End ...

Lean principles impact end-to-end business processes across the supply chain ...

... "Pacific Scientific/EKD took the approach that lean manufacturing squeezes out non-essentials in space, material and time costs, and it squeezes out nonessential management time and effort. " ...

Lean Principles: End-to-End: Via The Manufacturer: Lean demand and supply ...

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Thursday, April 06, 2006

Six Sigma Voice of Customer VOC ...

In the Six Sigma methodology, the VOC voice of customer approach is a key differentiator from early incarnations of the quality management process. ...

... "Six Sigma is a data-driven approach that relies heavily on the voice of the client as a focus for improving operational businesses and work environments. As a result, the process is far less subjective than previous quality programs ... " ...

Six Sigma Voice of Customer VOC: Via Natural Products Insider: Quality Control ...

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Monday, March 27, 2006

Lean SixSigma: Training in Theory Of Constraints ...

DRC will provide Theory of Constraints training to the military Lean Six Sigma program as a subcontractor. ...

... "Dynamics Research Corporation announced that it has been awarded a subcontract by Avraham Goldratt Institute (AGI) to support their newly awarded Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) contract. Under this five year ID/IQ, DRC anticipates generating between $5 million and $10 million in annual task order revenues. The contract provides for training in and implementation of Theory of Constraints and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies as applicable to the Naval Aviation Enterprise.

DRC has extensive experience with teaching and leading Lean/Six Sigma workshops as well as applying these tools through the Office of Naval Research's and the Missile Defense Agency's Lean Pathways programs. Lean/Six Sigma employs continuous process improvement methodologies to maximize weapon system readiness while minimizing material flows and in-process inventories. Lean eliminates all types of waste, while Six Sigma optimizes process variation. Together Lean/Six Sigma and the overarching Theory of Constraints allow the AGI/DRC team to understand customer needs, collect the appropriate data about the processes, and identify the root causes of problems and inefficiencies to streamline operations. The end result is a more effective, lower cost approach that achieves cost-wise readiness. " ...

Lean SixSigma: Training in Theory Of Constraints: Via Dynamics Research Corp: Dynamics Research Corporation Awarded Subcontract on Avraham Goldratt Institute's Naval Air Systems Command ID/IQ Contract: Choice of DRC confirms its significant capability in Lean/Six Sigma methodology ...

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Friday, March 24, 2006

Manufacturing Leader Achieves Six Sigma Black Belt ...

Company's manufacturing leaders achieve Six Sigma Black Belt certification. ...

... "CPI Card Group's Quality Manager Vin Benevento, located at CPI's Colorado plant, received his Six Sigma Black Belt after completing five months of training. He joins Charles van de Putte, a Six Sigma Black Belt since May 2001 and Process Engineer of CPI Card Group's Las Vegas plant, in implementing process improvement projects within both plants. Six Sigma is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects in any process from manufacturing to transactional and from product to service. These projects are put in place in order to increase customer satisfaction levels and business productivity. " ...

Manufacturing Leader Achieves Six Sigma Black Belt: Via CPI Card Group: CPI CARD GROUP QUALITY MANAGER RECEIVES SIX SIGMA BLACK BELT ...

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Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Xerox Lean SixSigma Services Create Innovative Solutions ...

Xerox provides Lean Six Sigma services to create innovative solutions for library. ...

... "Xerox deployed a team of specialized Lean Six Sigma consultants to the library to analyze and measure operations -- ranging from computer reservations to circulation -- at four Branch Library locations that represented a service population sampling for the system. Following the collaborative assessment process, Xerox presented the Houston Public Library earlier this month with a report that offered some innovative solutions and recommendations for efficiency gains to best service their customers. Lean Six Sigma is a rigorous, data-driven, results-oriented approach to process improvement. It combines two industry-recognized management methodologies evolved by companies like General Electric Co., Toyota Motor Corp., and Motorola Corp. By integrating the tools of Lean and Six Sigma, Xerox is helping customers improve quality, efficiency and speed in every aspect of their business. " ...

Xerox Lean SixSigma Services Create Innovative Solutions: Via Xerox: Xerox Services Help Houston Library Solve Staffing Issues: Xerox consulting services put to work to help library improve productivity ...

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Saturday, March 18, 2006

Six Sigma Plus: Management Training Courses ...

Six Sigma Manufacturing management training ...

... "Manufacturing / Quality: Six Sigma Plus is a customer focused approach based on strategy, people and processes leading to World Class Performance. These American Management Association courses, brought to you by Flexstudy, are aimed at the executive who wants to understand what it takes to implement a world class business organization. " ...

Six Sigma Plus: Via JobWerx: Management Training Courses

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Wednesday, March 15, 2006

Growth Driven Through Six Sigma Approach ...

Softech PLM supports ELCAN's Six Sigma approach to growth. ...

... "During an Executive Leadership Workshop, ELCAN's rapid growth was identified as a burning platform; one that could burn out of control if not managed properly. Growth was obviously a good problem to have but ELCAN had the forethought to know it needed to manage it correctly without adding staff. Dedicated to continuous improvement and using techniques from the Raytheon Six Sigma approach, ELCAN followed a six step process to guide it through an assessment of its current business processes and to put into operation improvements that would support its growth. One of the first areas targeted was the Configuration Management Office (CMO). Resources were assembled to document existing CM processes in detail. " ...

Growth Driven Through Six Sigma Approach: Via SofTech: ELCAN Optical Has Clear Vision for PLM with SofTech ProductCenter ...

ELCAN Optical Technologies is a fully integrated provider of precision optical and electronic solutions for industrial, medical, defense and commercial customers. With a legacy spanning 150 years in the design and fabrication of fine optics ELCAN's founding companies include Ernst Leitz (Germany) and Texas Instruments (U.S.A). ELCAN today is part of The Raytheon company with 1100 employees and 450, 000 square feet of manufacturing operations in Midland, Ontario, Richardson, Texas and Malaga, Spain. In addition to its role as a manufacturer and supplier of quality opto-electronic products, ELCAN provides design and engineering services to assist customers in co-engineering performance solutions, manufacturing efficiencies and superior design approaches to applied optics.

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Saturday, March 11, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Seminar: Operational Excellence 101

Upcoming lean manufacturing seminar ...

... "The Kennametal Center for Operational Excellence, part of Saint Vincent College's Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics, and Government will present Operational Excellence 101 - Lean Manufacturing Seminar on Wednesday, April 12 and Thursday, April 13. The event will be co-sponsored by the Saint Vincent College Small Business Development Center and is designed to educate those companies seeking to develop an integrated approach to their operations. " ...

Operational Excellence 101 - Lean Manufacturing seminar at Saint Vincent College - Via Saint Vincent College

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TPM Total Productive Maintenance Use in Lean Manufacturing ...

Total productive maintenance, or TPM, should be part of an overall lean manufacturing program. ...

... "While the theory of TPM seems so clear and the benefits so evident, it is perplexing that so many manufacturers do not integrate it into their lean manufacturing initiatives. Barriers include a lack of understanding of the effect of well running equipment on productivity, a short sighted approach to cost savings, resistance to change, and a firefighting mindset that is often accepted, and ingrained, throughout the organization. " ...

TPM Total Productive Maintenance Use in Lean Manufacturing: Via The Manufacturer: Control over chaos

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Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Lean Solution: Pull Scheduling Techniques ...

Infor delivers lean solution that leverages pull scheduling techniques ...

... "J&E/Earll has implemented Infor's Easy Lean solution, which has brought pull-oriented scheduling techniques to its production, which includes the manufacture and delivery of make-to order custom metal components and fabricated, finished and assembled final products for industries in some 30 states, Canada and Ireland.

Prior to incorporating Easy Lean into its Infor ERP VISUAL Enterprise software suite, J&E/Earll lacked the tools it needed to meet its delivery performance objectives. Without a formal scheduling or load/capacity capability, work did not flow efficiently. Production was consistently subject to expedited shipments and constantly shifting priorities. After Infor's Throughput Improvement PSO Group provided J&E/Earll with an approach to lean manufacturing, the company was able to use Easy Lean to reduce lead times dramatically, while making it considerably easier to maintain a 95-percent on-time performance level. " ...


Lean Solution: Pull Scheduling Techniques: Fast-Growing Manufacturer Solves Scheduling Challenges with Solution from Infor: Infor solutions enable J&E/Earll Manufacturing to slash lead times and gain 95-percent on-time delivery ...

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Saturday, February 25, 2006

Six Sigma SOX Sarbanes Oxley Compliance ...

Whitepaper links SXO compliance to business improvement initiatives, such as Six Sigma operational efficiency. ...

... "A proven total quality management approach, such as Six Sigma, can both sustain SOX compliance and provide tangible value to shareholders. " ...


Six Sigma SOX Sarbanes Oxley Compliance: Via InformationWeek: Turn SOX Compliance into Cash: Link Sarbanes-Oxley Requirements to Business Improvement by Oversight Systems ...

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Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Kaizen Improves Safety Performance ...

Great article on the application of kaizen to the improvement of safety performance. Christopher D. Chapman educates us on kaizen. ...

... "Kaizen, a systematic approach and problem-solving tool adopted from the Toyota Production System (TPS), is aimed at quickly implementing low-cost improvements that result in measurable impact. It can be used to enhance your safety program effectiveness exponentially. While kaizen traditionally and primarily has focused on production and efficiency numbers, it can effectively be shifted to improving safety and ergonomics.
" ...


Kaizen Improves Safety Performance: Via Occupational Hazards: Using Kaizen to Improve Safety and Ergonomics ...

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Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Methods: Integrated Services Support Partnership ...

SMTC Corporation has entered into a new customer relationship with Telco Systems. The relationship involves a broad range of manufacturing services spanning multiple sites. SMTC brings a distinctive approach to building contract manufacturing partnerships ...

... "SMTC maintains a long history of assisting telecom customers in achieving their business goals. This agreement with Telco Systems underscores SMTC's ability to provide leading OEMs with a unique outsourcing solution, commented Steve Hoffrogge, SMTC Senior Vice President of Business Development. Our breadth of vertically integrated services, professionalism, lean manufacturing methodologies and our people differentiate us from other mid-tier EMS providers. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Methods: Integrated Services Support Partnership: Via SMTC: SMTC Selected as Telco Systems' Manufacturing Partner ...

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Sunday, February 05, 2006

Six Sigma Exec: VP Mission Assurance ...

Northrop Grumman Six Sigma exec appointed ...

... "Northrop Grumman has appointed Elizabeth D. Iversen as sector vice president of mission assurance for the company's Electronic Systems sector in Linthicum. In this newly created position, Ms. Iversen will oversee quality assurance, risk management, independent reviews and assessments, and such process improvement initiatives as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. " ...


Via HometownAnnapolis: Business: People in business news ...

Northrop Grumman - Mission Systems - Market Segments - Key Programs: "Northrop Grumman Mission System's company-wide Quality Assurance (QA) Program is the basis for our Team's approach to quality under the PSS contract. Our program assures unbiased organizational freedom and authority for persons directly responsible for products and services or executing the project's processes. Quality will be achieved as a result of total commitment to quality products and services by our top-level management and entire professional workforce; through the use of well-defined processes and procedures ... "

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Friday, January 27, 2006

Six Sigma: Cessna Success ...

Cessna Aircraft Company leader, Jack Pelton, discusses the company's success and achievements in 2005, enabled by its Lean Six Sigma program. ...

... "He attributed the year's success to a world class Cessna team, award winning customer support, a broad product line that is responsive to the marketplace, emerging global markets, and implementation of lean manufacturing processes. During the year, Cessna delivered 249 Citation jets, 822 single engine pistons, and 86 Caravan single-engine turboprops; won FAA certification for two new jets -- the CJ1+ and CJ2+; and built its order book up to 788 jets and 1,198 single engine aircraft with a total value of $6.3 billion. The company also achieved significant refinement of its processes through implementation of the Textron Six Sigma Lean program, resulting in a more efficient, leaner company. " ...


Six Sigma: Cessna Success: Via Cessna: Remarkable Gains, Significant Achievements for Cessna in 2005 ...

Cessna six sigma program contributes to its success in 2005 ...

Textron Six Sigma: "Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is one of the three major elements of Textron Six Sigma, and the one that's most directly tied to meeting customer requirements. Through DFSS, we identify what our customers need and deliver it better than anyone else. It's a proven way to develop top quality products, services and processes right the first time, faster, and at a much lower cost. At Textron, we are combining the key principles of DFSS with a common method for designing all new products and services across the enterprise. "

Textron Annual Report: "The next step is Textron Six Sigma, a company-wide approach to improving our processes and delighting our customers through improved enterprise excellence. Textron's unique Six Sigma model is a comprehensive, common set of tools and techniques rigorously applied to all operating and functional areas to eliminate waste, reduce variability, and accelerate growth and innovation. While the concept of Six Sigma is not new, our unique combination of best practices and powerful methodologies into a single, holistic approach makes Textron Six Sigma the most important improvement process at Textron. "

Peter N. Riley, Senior Vice President Textron Six Sigma, Integrated Supply Chain and Transformation: "Peter N. Riley is senior vice president, Textron Six Sigma, integrated supply chain and transformation. In this role, Riley works closely with all Textron business units to continue the rapid deployment of critical enterprise-wide processes and systems to improve business performance and ensure the achievement of Textron's vision. He is also responsible for driving Textron's efforts to leverage its purchasing power and improve manufacturing processes across and among its business units. "

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Sunday, January 22, 2006

SixSigma Systematic Approach: Refine Business Process ...

Upcoming seminar on refining business processes with Six Sigma ...

... "THURSDAY: Six Sigma: Systematic Approach to Refining Business Processes, two day seminar, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., WSU Marcus Center. " ...

SixSigma Systematic Approach: Refine Business Process: Via Wichita Eagle: SEVEN DAY AGENDA

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Sunday, January 15, 2006

LeanSixSigma TheoryofConstraints: Goldratt Institute to Support NAVRIIP ...

Goldratt Institute and partners will team to support the NAVRIIP program with integrated Lean Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints capabilities. ...

... "AGI is teamed with Dynamics Research Corporation (DRC), Coalition Solutions Integrated, Inc (CSI) and Mr. Laurin P. Eck (Independent Contractor) to deliver Theory of Constraints (TOC), Lean, and Six Sigma in an integrated approach to achieve the Naval Aviation Readiness Integrated Improvement Program's (NAVRIIP) objective of achieving Cost-Wise Readiness. This effort will include the design, deployment, and sustainment of 71 sites to include intermediate maintenance activities, organizational maintenance activities, aircraft carriers, and amphibious assault ships. It also includes applying the Enterprise AIRSpeed methodology to the design of the new CVN-78 class aircraft carrier, as well as Marine Aviation Logistics Support Program II (MALSP II), the transformation of MALSP to support Sea Basing and expeditionary maneuver warfare through significantly reduced logistics footprint forward. As part of the sustainment strategy, the contractor team will provide training and education across a wide-spectrum of activities to include naval aviation leadership, AIRSpeed professionals, instructors, and formal schools. " ...

LeanSixSigma TheoryofConstraints: Goldratt Institute to Support NAVRIIP: Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute, LLP: US Navy Awards a Major Contract to a Connecticut Small Business ...

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Saturday, January 14, 2006

Kaizen: Solectron Lean Sourcing ...

Lean eletronic manufacturer Solectron uses a centralized purchasing model for global strategic sourcing of its $9B annual spend on materials. It uses kaizen throughout the supply-side value chain to drive out waste. This kaizen approach to procurement benefits Solectron and the suppliers. ...

... "Waste not, want not. In fact, Solectron has already done more than 1,000 kaizen events with suppliers to identify areas of waste that can be eliminated in Solectron's or the supplier's business processes. Eliminating waste is a key part of Lean manufacturing. As Solectron moves to Lean, it plans to consolidate more business with fewer suppliers so it can tap into the expertise of suppliers. Commodity teams evaluate the performance of suppliers based on input from Solectron sites. " ...

Kaizen: Solectron Lean Sourcing: Via Purchasing: Lean drives Solectron's sourcing ...

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Wednesday, January 11, 2006

Lean Manufacturing: Alternative Business Model for Electronics Industry ...

The lean manufacturing business model can be used to differentiate an enterprise in its marketplace, through operational excellence. Eric Miscoll explores the top focus areas for consideration by electronics industry executives. ...

... "Alternative business models: Whether you adopt a virtual model leveraging strengths and assets from around the globe, like TFI's team of industry experts, or adopt a fresh approach to an old challenge - such as the successful joint venture (called NUMMI) between GM & Toyota who profitably manufacturer cars in the Silicon Valley of California by applying Lean Manufacturing principle - opportunities abound. " ...


Lean Manufacturing: Alternative Business Model for Electronics Industry: Via EMSNow: The top five factors electronics executives should consider in 2006 ...

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Sunday, January 08, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Seminar: Operational Excellence ...

Upcoming lean manufacturing seminar on operational excellence ...

... "Lean manufacturing seminar planned: The Kennametal Center for Operational Excellence, part of St. Vincent College's Alex G. McKenna School of Business, Economics and Government, will present Operational Excellence 101 - Lean Manufacturing Seminar, on Feb. 8 and Feb. 9. The event will be co-sponsored by the St. Vincent College Small Business Development Center, and is designed to educate representatives of those companies seeking to develop an integrated approach to their operations. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Seminar: Operational Excellence: Via The Herald Standard - Business & Finance: It's Your Business

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Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Kaizen Approach to Life ...

Mauritian citizen makes passionate case about improving the quality of life through the kaizen approach. ...

... "We must all have heard about Gemba Kaizen and Muda (waste of resources ) and we can see this daily at work, at home and in public areas. If only we could be more responsible, our quality of life would improve drastically but this is not the case. " ...

Kaizen Approach to Life: Via l'express: Hope, my beloved country ...

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Saturday, December 17, 2005

Public Sector Six Sigma ...

In governments around the world, there is acknowledgement of the need to be more efficient, especially with enabling citizen services. Many governments are adopting e-government technology to solve their problem. This may be necessary, but not sufficient in streamlining processes for speed, eliminating waste, and delivering the best performance at the appropriate cost. Six Sigma is a methodology that can be truly transformative in improvement of public sector business processes. Andre Pope proposes an invigorating approach to improving performance in the public sector, leveraging Six Sigma methodology. ...

... "I am proposing the establishment of a National Public Corporation Commission with the objective of helping the various public corporations achieve financial and operational excellence through the introduction of Six Sigma methodologies and programs. Six Sigma, which is outlined with some specificity later in this paper, is a process or methodology that has and continues to be used by some of the largest and more innovative private companies across the globe, particularly in North America, Europe and Asia, to achieve breakthrough results. " ...

Public Sector Six Sigma: Via The Perspective: Using Six Sigma to Reinvigorate Public Corporations

Relevant resources on Six Sigma experiences in the public sector:

Quality Digest Magazine: "Six Sigma has proven its worth to the manufacturing industry, causing the education, health care and service industries to sit up and take note. Governments, though, have been slower to respond to the methodology's potential. This is understandable. Governments, whether local or federal, have huge and entrenched bureaucracies, and they lack the all-important market incentive for change. "

Challenge: "Following a pilot project where seven public sector agencies applied Six Sigma to selected work areas, the August forum, organised by the MFE office, was a good opportunity to showcase the findings and success stories. "

QW: Public sector? So what?: "What about six sigma in the public sector? Well, the term itself is potentially misleading, because the high-frequency operations that make this statistic meaningful (eg 3.4 defects per million opportunities) are rare in public sector organisations. QW published an article (in January 2001) on six sigma in a courts service although the piece admitted that in this instance achievement of just 2.8 sigma was the main target. "

Ministry Of Finance: "Six Sigma, a management tool which has made significant impact in private sector companies worldwide such as Hewlett-Packard, General Electric, Motorola and 3M, is now being applied in the Singapore Public Sector. The use of Six Sigma by public sector organisations has started to offer significant improvements in service quality and reductions in cost."

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Sunday, December 11, 2005

Lean Enterprise Culture: Eliminate Process Waste ...

Article explores cultivating a culture of lean in the enterprise. ...

... "The advantage in getting a company to think of it (lean) in a holistic approach is if you've got the office people involved and thinking that way, too, then it becomes a culture, said Cindy Oehmigen, a lean manufacturing specialist with the Central New York Technology Development Organization. " ...

Lean Enterprise Culture: Eliminate Process Waste: Via The Post Standard: Saving Time and Money

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Sunday, December 04, 2005

Kaizen Quality: Deming Perspective ...

Reylito A.H. Elbo explores the perspective of Deming on quality, productivity, and kaizen. ...

Kaizen Quality: Deming Perspective: Via ABS-CBN Interactive: BEYOND THE BUZZWORDS ...

... "As a matter of fact, he chastised me for not giving enough emphasis to his Fourteen Points over the kaizen (continual improvement approach) that was invented by the Japanese. " ...

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Saturday, December 03, 2005

Lean Improvement: Overcome Challenges With Kaizen ...

Regular kaizen events can sustain the transformation of organizational culture through continuous improvement. Thomas G. Dolan continues his exploration of lean manufacturing and methods to confront and overcome the challenges. ...

Lean Improvement: Overcome Challenges With Kaizen: Via Pallet Enterprise: Lean Manufacturing Approach Offers Potential, Challenges

... "The biggest challenge for the Atkins facility was developing leadership to sustain a system and culture that drives continuous improvement. Without this leadership, it is easy for an organization to fall back into its old ways. Kaizen team events achieved good results to build leadership at all levels of the organization as well as to implement lean improvements immediately. " ...

Kaizen events sustain the continuous improvement effort and overcome organizational challenges ...

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Monday, November 14, 2005

Six Sigma Risk Management Software ...

Six Sigma projects often require an analysis of risk model. Joyzelle Davis explores the future of Decisiononeering, the maker of Crystal Ball software.

Six Sigma Risk Management Software: Via Rocky Mountain News: Bright futures: Decisioneering helps others plot success while securing its own ...

... "Decisioneering primarily markets its software in MBA programs, and it's used in many of the top U.S. business schools. It also targets companies that employ Six Sigma, a data-driven approach to eliminating defects. " ...


Founded in 1986, Denver-based Decisioneering, Inc., is a privately-held company that provides software, training and consulting services that simplify risk analysis and improve decision-making. The company’s offerings include Crystal Ball, the industry-leading risk analysis package.

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Sunday, November 13, 2005

Lean 5S: Visual Kanban Enables Fast Identification ...

Kaizen events deliver optimized floor space usage and increase production rates for Tru-Val Tubing. Visual kanbans and 5S enable fast identification of WIP and dynamic scheduling. ...

Lean 5S: Visual Kanban Enables Fast Identification: Via NIST: Tru-Val Tubing Company: MEP Providing Hands-On Help through the Michigan Manufacturing Extension Partnership ...

... "MMTC's Director of Lean Business Solutions, Robert Lyscas, worked with Dan to secure Economic Development Training Grant (EDJT) funds to assist with training. With its initial EDJT grant, the company sent management representatives to Lean Leadership Training. This allowed management to develop a clear and consistent methodology in its lean approach, and to build a strategic business improvement plan. Additional EDJT monies led to training internal lean champions, Six Sigma black belt training, ISO 14001 training and several kaizen events. " ...


Lean 5S is enabled through the use of visual kanban ...

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Thursday, November 10, 2005

Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training ...

NIS mints a new group of Six Sigma yellow belts. ...

Six Sigma Yellow Belt Training: Via National In-Store: National In-Store Takes Customer-Centric Management Approach to New Levels: Leading Retail Services Provider Moves Forward With Six Sigma Training For Nationwide Workforce ...

... "National In-Store (NIS), the world's fastest-growing retail services company, has added 42 new Six Sigma Yellow Belts to its roster. As the first retail services provider to incorporate Six Sigma into its cache of management protocols, NIS is firmly on its way to meeting its goal of training hundreds of associates across the country in the management tool designed to reduce costs, increase efficiencies, and bolster customer service. The 42 yellow belt recipients were trained by Six Sigma Black Belt Joselin Sams, who joined NIS earlier this year to undertake the company-wide training. Under Sams' direction, NIS will begin offering Six Sigma training to its retail and consumer product group clients next year. " ...


National In-Store (NIS) is the fastest-growing US retail resources provider, serving more than three million retail sites annually. NIS is part of Omnicom Group Inc.

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Sunday, November 06, 2005

Value Chain Blueprint: BSC Alternative ...

Value Chain Blueprint: BSC Alternative: Overview on business process integration

... "a new approach to performance management, value chain blueprint (it does a better job in assessing intangible assets than balanced scorecard) " ...

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Monday, October 31, 2005

Lean Manufacturing: Iowa Plant Floor Changing

Lean manufacturing is changing the plant floor in Iowa. Donnelle Eller explores the pressure to keep manufacturing competitive in Iowa, where foreign competition forces manufacturing companies to reinvent their business models and adopt Japanese techniques of kaizen and lean manufacturing.

Lean Manufacturing: Iowa Plant Floor Changing: Via DesMoinesRegister: In global market, Iowa manufacturers fight for survival ...

... "Two movements that are dramatically changing Iowa manufacturing floors are technology and lean manufacturing disciplines, such as Kaizen, a Japanese approach for continuous improvement. " ...


Iowa manufacturers embrace lean manufacturing to stay competitive ...

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Sunday, October 30, 2005

Call Center Performance Management: Six Sigma Baseline

A people performance management approach may be more appropriate to call center improvement at the outset, before introducing discipline Six Sigma. However, it is still important to establish baseline performance measurement, as would occur in the Measure phase of the Six Sigma DMAIC process. Rich Snow, VP Ventana Research, explores the performance improvement of ineffective call centers. ...

Call Center Performance Management: Six Sigma Baseline: Via TMCnet: Ineffective Call Centers Need Performance Management

... "Some observers suggest adopting the Six Sigma approach: set targets, measure and reduce variation at all stages until the measures fall within the targets, then repeat with more exacting targets. " ...


Six Sigma methdology in the call center: performance measurement ...

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Thursday, October 20, 2005

New Six Sigma Team: Job Opening

New Six Sigma Team: Job Opening: Via Here Is The City Careers: Six Sigma Coverage Officer ...

... "a leading international investment bank is looking to establish a small Six Sigma team in London to compliment their Six Sigma practice in New York. This practice is the firm's approach to enabling profitable growth through productivity improvements. It has been developed in response to the challenge of integrating knowledge worker productivity, client satisfaction and client profitability. " ...

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Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Kaizen Focus: Lean and Efficient

The Solectron Production System leverages lean manufacturing and Kaizen techniques to drive operational efficiency. Karl Schoenberger explores Solectron's kaizen approach and the implications on the company and the value chain it operates within ...

Kaizen Focus: Lean and Efficient: Via MercuryNews: Kaizen: Japanese philosophy gives Solectron focus

... "Even if kaizen succeeds in transforming Solectron's top layer of contract manufacturing, there are questions about how far down the food chain it can go. " ...

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Saturday, October 15, 2005

Six Sigma Motorola University

Ian Grayson explores internal training programs, such as the Motorola Six Sigma effort ...

Six Sigma Motorola University: Via CNN.com: Do-it-yourself approach growing ...

... "U.S.-based communications equipment company Motorola, credited with developing the popular Six Sigma approach to quality improvement, has been running the Motorola University for more than 18 years. " ...

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Monday, October 10, 2005

Lean 5S: Technology Success ...

Learn from mistakes, accelerate improvement cycle times, and adopt the 5S principles of lean. Peter Coffee touches on the lean and agile approach to software development, celebrating recent technology success at the DARPA Grand Challenge, which incorporate elements of lean manufacturing 5S principles ...

Lean 5S: Technology Success: Via eWeek: Little Things Mean a Lot

... "The Five S philosophy of removing the unrelated, arranging the useful, discarding the distracting or dangerous, standardizing the proper practice, and systematizing the overall process has much to offer in application development efforts. " ...

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Sunday, October 09, 2005

Lean Manufacturing: Systems Approach

A systems approach to lean manufacturing is a multi-year enterprise transformation. The transformation must be managed as a lean journey with a comprehensive roadmap that includes addressing cultural adoption ...

Via MTES: Lean Manufacturing

... "Lean Manufacturing is a team-baseds systematic approach to identifying and eliminating wasteful or non-value-adding activities within your manufacturing organization. Lean is a whole new way of thinking, and should be considered much more than a series of programs or techniques. " ...


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Friday, October 07, 2005

Six Sigma Data Driven Approach ...

Six Sigma Data Driven Approach: Via FMCS: FMCS Announces DyADS Application For Bechtel Nevada ...

... "With FMCS assistance, Bechtel Nevada and its unions and employees will collaborate to design a system that resolves workplace disputes that fall outside of their traditional collective bargaining agreements. The company will use Six Sigma, a data-driven approach to improving work processes, in creating the internal dispute resolution system. " ...

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Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Six Sigma Printing Process: Auto Registration ...

Six Sigma Printing Process: Auto Registration: Via Newspapers and Technology: Short Run: Oct. 2005

David J. Stenstrom, Production Manager Pressroom Operations for The Boston Globe, discusses Six Sigma application in the printing process ...

... "We have applied a Six-Sigma approach for process improvement and we are considering investing in auto-registration technology to help improve our performance. " ...

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Monday, October 03, 2005

Six Sigma Banking Quality ...

Six Sigma Banking Quality: Prominent Georgian Joins Proposed New Community Bank Board; One Georgia Bank Slated to Open in March 2006 ...

Banking startup organizes with a committment to Six Sigma quality management ...

... "Operationally, the organizers are committed to customer service with a high-touch, high-tech approach enabling the bank to be extremely competitive and quickly gain market share. Also, the group is committed to recruiting a superior staff, establishing a winning culture and incorporating Six Sigma quality management. One Georgia Bank's goals and objectives are specific, relevant and actionable ... " ...

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Sunday, October 02, 2005

Lean Manufacturing Process: Remove Waste

Lean Manufacturing Process: Remove Waste: Via Post-Crescent: State on path to industry success

Rich Ryman writes about focus on lean manufacturing to remove business process waste in Wisconsin ...

... "The Extension Partnership has been one of the foremost proponents of lean manufacturing, which seeks to remove waste from manufacturing processes. Ariens Co. adopted the lean approach five years ago when it was facing severe financial problems. " ...

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Monday, September 26, 2005

Six Sigma Critical Measures Drive Meaningful Improvement in Document Process ...

Six Sigma Critical Measures Drive Meaningful Improvement in Document Process: Océ Introduces Comprehensive Performance Management Solution for Outsourced Document Services: Océ MAXTM Software Enables Organizations to Better Manage People, Processes and Technologies Associated With Outsourced Mail, Print, Copy and Records Management ...

Using Six Sigma approach to measurements, Oce drives improvements in document business processes using customized software that enables the appropriate level of management visibility to key performance measures. Visible metrics enable client companies to identify and leverage best practices across an organization ...

... "Océ Business Services customizes Océ MAX software to address the Key Performance Indicators (KPI) and Service Level Agreements (SLA) unique to each client and industry. Based on Six Sigma™ methodologies, Océ MAX implementations ensure that the crucial performance indicators for each client are systematically measured, monitored and benchmarked. Clients then can see where and how to make meaningful improvements in their document processes, often yielding significant benefits ... Océ Businesses Services recently implemented the Océ MAX application for a Fortune 50 company at 38 offices in 18 states. This has enabled the client to easily monitor numerous document processes in multiple locations, save money and reduce the amount of time spent by staff on document process activities. The client has been able to identify areas for improvement as well as best practices to be shared across the entire organization. " ...


Océ Business Services is one of the world's leading providers of document process management services. The company seamlessly integrates technology, processes and people to manage business document assets throughout their lifespan of value. Océ solutions span copy and print management; fleet management; mail distribution and fulfillment; imaging and records management; office services; business performance management; and document assessment. A workforce of more than 6,000 professionals serves its clients in North America. Océ outsourcing solutions help organizations reduce and control costs, increase productivity, manage document risk, and enhance business performance. Océ is a leading provider of digital document management technology and services. The company’s solutions are based on Océ’s advanced software applications that deliver documents and data over internal networks and the Internet to printing devices and archives – locally and around the world.

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Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Six Sigma Business Process Documentation: MS Visio Integration ...

Six Sigma Business Process Documentation: MS Visio Integration: Via Appian: Appian & Zynium Partner to Deliver Powerful Standards-Based Approach to Microsoft Visio Integration: Together, Appian Enterprise and Zynium's Byzio Exporter Enable Rapid Import/Export of Visio® Business Processes ...

... "The companies will work closely to develop and deliver standards-based solutions that automate the export and transformation of critical business processes, such as Six Sigma and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance processes, from Visio into Appian Enterprise. After spending significant amounts of time and money documenting the graphical view of their critical business processes using Microsoft Visio, many global organizations are realizing the limitations of Visio's static process maps, specifically the inability to fully support dynamic processes. Without real-time, end-to-end business process management, execution, and analysis capabilities, companies cannot automate, monitor and improve their processes, making it especially difficult to achieve and maintain compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and Six Sigma quality control requirements. " ...


Zynium designs Microsoft® Visio® process map data extraction tools and transforms the data into the XPDL standard for use within the business process optimization solutions. Zynium is a leading provider of Middleware for Workflow software applications for enterprise content and business process management solutions. The Zynium Byzio Exporter™ provides for one way interoperability between Microsoft® Visio® and the chosen content and business process management solution.

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