Lean production assessment kickstarts Volvo truck manufacturing implementation

Lean manufacturing is implemented at Volvo Truck production facility in Australia. The plants implementation strategy includes understanding the baseline performance: "In order to become more productive and efficient, Volvo has decided to implement the Japanese production philosophy Lean Production. With consideration to this, Volvo wanted a comprehensive investigation of the current situation in the production. " http://bit.ly/bgiU3V

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)

Lean Assessment Tool

Ultriva offers assessment tool that uses historical practices to understand current performance and opportunities for improvement. ...

... "The Lean Assessment Tool lets users upload hundreds of parts histories and then graphically visualize their current replenishment patterns along with future potential opportunities. Ultriva’s patent-pending consumption-driven replenishment algorithms allow users to perform what if simulations in real time. " ...

Via Ultriva: Assessment Tool

Roadmap for Lean Implementation

Insights on lean implementation process to prepare for and sustain the transformation. ...

Six Sigma Financial Certification

Six Sigma is used in financial industry to manage defects to best-practice levels. ...

... "From what I have seen, there appear to be at least four different assessment procedures in use by a sizable segment of the financial services industry: ISO, SAS 70, Six Sigma and CEFEX. " ...

Via Investment News: Financial Certification

Quality System Improvement: Medical Manufacturing Practices R Critical

Quality system improvements put Guidant manufacturing back on track. An FDA audit cited 483 observations that required remediation. This prompted Guidant to perform a thorough and systemic review of its quality system. ...

... "The FDA re-inspected Guidant's cardiac rhythm management (CRM) facility in St. Paul, Minnesota between November 9 and December 7, 2006. The re-inspection included an assessment of Boston Scientific's implementation of quality system improvements in response to the warning letter. FDA inspectors noted no observations during the re-inspection. " ...

Via Boston Scientific: Boston Scientific Resolves CRM Warning Letter Deficiencies

SixSigma Energy Executive ...

GE leader achieves executive position at wholesale energy company. ...

... "At ABB, Mr. Mukerji had global responsibility for ABB's Power Technology consulting services, and he drafted ABB's position paper on grid reliability after the 2003 blackout. He also led ABB's $500 million global Utility Partner Business, overseeing 3,000 employees in 35 countries. At GE, Mr. Mukerji implemented the Six Sigma quality improvement program in the Power Systems Energy Consulting organization, and helped establish the GEMAPS (Market Assessment and Portfolio Strategies) software as an industry standard tool for evaluating deregulated power markets. He also became the first GE Power Systems Energy Consulting employee to be promoted to General Manager from within the department. " ...

SixSigma Energy Executive: Via NYISO: NYISO Announces New VP of Market Structures: Rana Mukerji joins the NYISO's Senior Management Team ...

Toyota Kaizen Supplier Awards ...

CHD Meridian is recognized for kaizen supplier performance by Toyota. ...

... "A supplier for nearly seven years, CHD Meridian was honored by TMMK with the Supplier Kaizen Award for continuous improvement. Meridian provides TMMK team members with on-site health care, occupational health, acute and emergency care and oversees the operation of our pharmacy. Meridian recently participated in a practical kaizen activity in which they completed a standardized work assessment for all health centers at TMMK. " ...

Toyota Kaizen Supplier Awards: Via TMMK Toyota Georgetown: Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky Honors Ten Suppliers: Seven Suppliers from Kentucky ...

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 ...

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.

Six Sigma IT Software Training ...

Perot Systems collaborates with Six Sigma Advantage to develop and deliver training tools and methodology in Six Sigma for information technology and software processes. ...

Six Sigma IT Software Training: Via Perot Systems: Perot Systems and Six Sigma Advantage, Inc. Team to Provide Process Improvement and Six Sigma Services ...

... "Perot Systems Corporation (NYSE: PER) announced that it will team with Six Sigma Advantage, Inc. to identify, contract, and deliver Six Sigma for Software and IT training, consulting and certification services. Together, Perot Systems and Six Sigma Advantage will provide a highly refined set of training tools and methodology with extensive process improvement assessment and implementation expertise to help meet the critical demands of the Department of Defense. " ...

Quality Assessment: Certified Six Sigma Black Belt ...

American Society for Quality (ASQ) and the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) collaborate on quality certifications, such as the Certified Six Sigma Black Belt.

Quality Assessment: Certified Six Sigma Black Belt: Via Financial Express: Ficci in strategic alliance with US body for quality assessment

... "Ficci will use some Indian members of ASQ as trainers and consultants thus offering world class training on quality at affordable cost to Indian professionals, said M Duhan, ASQ president. Certified Quality Engineer, Certified Quality Manager, Certified Six Sigma Black Belt are the ASQ certification programmes identified to be offered initially. " ...

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.

Tag: Six Sigma

Six Sigma Assessment: Pareto Charts ...

Via SixSig.info: Six Sigma Assessment Tools ...

... "Pareto charts are often used to determine the vital few causes that are responsible for the majority of defects or complaints regarding a product or service. Named after 19th century economist Vilfredo Pareto, the chart was first defined by JM Juran in 1950. " ...

Six Sigma Seminar: Competitive Edge

Six Sigma Seminar: Competitive Edge: Sharpen your Competitive Edge

... "September 22, 2005, 8:30am-11:30am, Walsh College, Novi Campus, 41500 Gardenbrook Road, Novi, MI, No charge to Michigan businesses but registration is required.

Topics Include:
Transformation Needs Assessment, LEAN - Strategic Business Solutions, LEAN Office, ISO 9001:2000 and TS 16949:2002, ISO 14001:2004, Automotive Core Tools , Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt, Cost Management & Control " ...

Xerox Lean SixSigma Assessment Drives Cost Savings ...

Xerox Lean SixSigma Assessment Drives Cost Savings: VHA Signs with Xerox for Document Services ...

Xerox identifies cost savings for client using Lean Six Sigma assessment methodology ...

... "Following a Lean Six Sigma-based document assessment for United Health Services, a VHA member in New York State, Xerox identified $100,000 in cost savings and built a digital forms repository for the hospital. The result was a more efficient process for viewing documents online, placing orders for electronic print jobs, and eliminating the costs associated with excess production of forms. " ...

VHA Inc. is a national alliance of leading not-for-profit health care providers that work together to improve the health of the communities they serve. VHA delivers industry leading supply chain management services and enables regional and national member networks to improve clinical and operational performance and drive sustainable results. Based in Irving, Texas, VHA has 18 local offices serving more than 2,400 health care organizations across the United States.

Xerox Corporation is a technology and services enterprise that helps businesses deploy Smarter Document ManagementSM strategies and find better ways to work. It offers an array of innovative document solutions, services and systems -- including color and black-and-white printers, digital presses, multifunction devices and digital copiers -- designed for offices and production-printing environments. It also offers associated supplies, software and support.

Tag: Six Sigma

Root Cause Accident Investigation ...

Root Cause Accident Investigation: Safety and Health Program Assessment Worksheet

... "All loss-producing incidents and near-misses are investigated for root cause with effective prevention. " ...

LeanSixSigma Methodology Streamlines PrintingOperations ...

LeanSixSigma Methodology Streamlines PrintingOperations: Enhanced Xerox Software, Services Help Offices Easily Manage Multiple Brands of Printing Devices ...

... "Also updated is Xerox's Office Document Assessment, which uses Lean Six Sigma methodology to assess and streamline the daily operations and usage patterns of a company's printing equipment. New to the ODA are greater analytics capabilities to deliver even more detailed and measurable recommendations for how networked and non-networked printing devices and operations can be made more efficient and effective. " ...

Xerox Global Services helps organizations streamline and digitize document processes such as invoices, policies and procedures, billing, training, and records management. Xerox consultants work closely with companies to identify, quantify and realize opportunities to save money, find new sources of value, mitigate risks, and simplify how work gets done.

Total Quality Management Pollution Prevention Integration ...

Total Quality Management/Pollution Prevention Integration Study for the Printed Circuit Board Industry

... "This study is aimed at identifying technical and organizational business assistance programs that would serve PCB manufacturers in reducing their waste while maintaining and possibly improving manufacturing efficiency and quality. The term pollution prevention is used in this survey to describe actions to reduce the amount of waste generated from a process by improving process efficiency. The success of pollution prevention within a manufacturing facility is increasingly recognized as a function of the facility's quality control and quality improvement systems. The survey provides the opportunity for a comprehensive assessment of your company's current quality improvement and pollution prevention programs. " ...

Six Sigma Capability Assessment ...

Defense Reform Initiative Breakfast

Remarks as Delivered By Deputy Secretary of Defense John J. Hamre, Marriott Westfields, Chantilly, Virginia ...

... "we are a six-Sigma operation when it comes to our primary business, which is going to war. When it comes to our support activities, I am afraid we are probably a two-Sigma operation. It always surprises me that an organization, on the one hand, could demand such excellence in the innovation and energy and creativity on the fighting side. Then, in the other part of the organization, which is the support structure, we live with wreckage, in many ways -- old, outdated, obsolete business practices, computer systems that nobody has the original source code to any longer. We are not even sure how they work. " ...

Six Sigma Business Analysis Tool

Document SR-2002-8

... "The Savannah River High Level Waste (HLW) Division?s Corrosion Control Program (CPP) relies on laboratory analysis of the tank contents in order to adjust the tank chemistry of about 36 million gallons of highly radioactive and caustic liquid waste to ensure tank structural integrity. The HLW Corrosion Control Sample Reduction Team applied the Six Sigma business analysis tool to reduce by 77% the number of high level waste samples pulled. This resulted in a cost avoidance of over $7 million over the next five years (FY02 to FY07) and an annual waste disposal savings of over 20 cubic meters of job control waste related to tank sampling. The Team application of the Six Sigma rigorous and statistically-based analysis process, coupled with data verification by outside organizations, exemplify using life cycle assessment and environmental cost accounting to reduce waste, labor cost, environmental risks, and operating life cycle cost. " ...

Balanced Scorecard Employee Performance Management Integration ...

Balanced Scorecard Employee Performance Management Integration: MindSolve Technologies Announces Partnership with Hyperion

Mindsolve and Hyperion partner together on development of an integrated balanced scorecard and performance management system ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Companies to Offer Integrated Balanced Scorecard and Employee Performance Management Solution GAINESVILLE, Fla., March 2 MindSolve Technologies ...

... MindSolve Technologies, the technology leader in Employee Performance Management, today announced a Technology Partnership with Hyperion Solutions Corporation, the global leader in Business Performance Management software, to bring the first integrated balanced scorecard and Employee Performance Management software solution to market. Balanced scorecard and Employee Performance Management are both high interest, high value strategic initiatives aimed at improving organizations' performance, productivity, and profitability. ...

MindSolve Technologies, Inc. is a privately held company, headquartered in Gainesville, Florida. In 1994, MindSolve revolutionized Employee Performance Management with the introduction of visual, user-friendly multi-rater assessment. In 1998, MindSolve offered the industry's first web-based drag & drop workforce performance management software. MindSolve provides technology-based software solutions and related professional services for performance appraisal, 360 feedback processes, goal alignment and tracking, employee development, salary and compensation planning, career and succession planning, executive coaching and leadership training, and organizational development for users in over 50 countries worldwide.

BSC for Management ...

Balanced Scorecard BSC for Management

... "From the very beginning of the transition from the traditional purchasing and personal property system reviews to the redesigned Federal and contractor system assessment approaches that replaced them, it was understood that further refinement and continuous improvement would occur. Consistent with that long-term strategy, and building on the originally redesigned Federal and contractor purchasing and property assessments, the Department's business system assessment models evolved to bring them more formally into line with the Balanced ScoreCard (BSC) approach to performance measurement and management, which is currently in use by many world class private corporations. The following describes the Department's 'corporate' business systems assessment program, implementation procedures, evaluation standards, and the reporting process. " ...

Six Sigma E-Maintenance ...

Center for Intelligent Maintenance Systems (IMS)-Internet-based intelligent e-maintenance is key to achieve global leadership in six-sigma product aftermarket service and productivity for the 21st century ...

... "The vision for the Center is to achieve near-zero breakdowns of product and system through advancements in internet-based intelligent performance-degradation monitoring and proactive maintenance technologies, including innovations in machine performance degradation and reliability assessment, prognostics and diagnostics, smart service NetWare and agent, and self-maintenance intelligence. The Center's mission is to serve as a center of excellence for creation and dissemination of a systematic body of knowledge in intelligent maintenance systems and, ultimately, to impact next-generation product and service systems with six-sigma quality." ...

Kaizen Event Recommends Changes ...

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company, Waterton Plant ...

From Performance Track Annual Performance Report ...

... "In the ISO 14001 May Audit, the nonconformity identified was that the Integrated Emergency Response Plan and Crisis Management Plan be updated at scheduled times. The Crisis Management Plan was being updated at the time of the audit and was issued on 5/12/03. The updated Integrated Environmental Emergency Response Plan will be issued during 5/04. 2. In the ISO 14001 October Audit, the nonconformity identified was that the list contained in the Integrated Emergency Response Plan did not reflect current 90-day hazardous waste collection points. The list was updated immediately. As noted above, the overall Plan will be updated by 5/04. 3. In the Internal Audit, two findings were issued. These were: a.) Inadequate implementation of office inspection requirement because the requirement was unknown in several areas. The root cause was that the process did not require adequate accountability of supervisors. A Kaizen event is scheduled for April 2004 to evaluate and improve the process. A Kaizen event is a 2-5 day meeting in which a team analyzes a procedure or process, identifies shortcomints, and recommends changes. b.) The self-assessment plan did not identify root causes of problems and did not provide a means of verifying that problems had been corrected. Resolution of issues identified in the finding will be addressed during implementation of the 2004 self-assessment plan. Any remaining issues will be resolved during the annual company Environment, Safety & Health planning meeting during November 2004." ...

The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and the environment. Since 1970, EPA has been working for a cleaner, healthier environment for the American people.

Kaizen Applied To Energy Management ...

Create Action Plan : ENERGY STAR ...

From EnergyStar ...

... "Eastman Kodak - Applying Kaizen to Energy Management: Like many manufacturing organizations, Eastman Kodak (Kodak) has developed a strong quality management program and culture. Kodak's energy office draws from its organizational resources to identify and develop action plans for critical energy projects. To develop these plans, the Kodak energy office conducts Kaizen Events. Kai means 'change' and Zen means 'better' and a Kaizen event combines a quick technical assessment with brainstorming to develop a better product or solution. The energy Kaizen Events bring together a mix of Kodak employees from an operating area as well as someone from outside that department. This multifunctional team then meets several times with the goal of developing a low to no capital cost energy efficiency solution." ...

ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Results are already adding up. Last year alone, Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy to power 20 million homes and avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 18 million cars - all while saving $8 billion.

Product Innovation Risks and Controls ...

FRB: Supervisory Letter SR 96-14 (SUP) on risk-focused safety and soundness examinations and inspections ...

From Risk-focused Safety and Soundness Examinations and Inspections, FRB ...

... "Keeping pace with technological advances in the banking industry, financial product innovation, and improvements in management systems and techniques requires that supervisory procedures constantly evolve, especially with respect to the assessment of risk management processes and internal controls. To meet this requirement, over the last several years, the Federal Reserve has taken a number of steps to enhance the effectiveness of its examinations and inspections by sharpening its focus on the areas of greatest risk to the soundness of banking organizations. These efforts have been directed at adapting examination and inspection processes so that they remain responsive to changing market realities, while retaining those practices that have proven most successful in supervising institutions under a variety of economic circumstances and industry conditions. " ...

BioInformatics Platform for Drug Discovery ...

BioInformatics Platform for Drug Discovery: GPC Biotech Announces Achievement of Milestones Totaling $1.2 ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... The ARI team has developed state-of-the-art automated genomics and proteomics research capabilities as well as a sophisticated bioinformatics platform. ...

... GPC Biotech AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: GPC; TecDAX 30; Nasdaq: GPCB) announced the achievement of several new milestones in its multiyear alliance with ALTANA Pharma AG working with the ALTANA Research Institute (ARI) in Waltham, Massachusetts, USA. The achievements included one new implementation milestone, as well as three research milestones under the drug discovery collaborations that are part of the ARI agreement. The payments to GPC Biotech resulting from these achievements total $1.2 million and will be recognized as revenue in the fourth quarter of 2004. ...

GPC Biotech AG is a biotechnology company discovering and developing new anticancer drugs. The Company's lead product candidate -- satraplatin -- is currently in a Phase 3 registration trial as a second-line chemotherapy treatment in hormone-refractory prostate cancer following successful completion of a Special Protocol Assessment by the U.S. FDA and receipt of a Scientific Advice letter from the European central regulatory authority, EMEA. The FDA has also granted fast track designation to satraplatin for this indication. Satraplatin was in-licensed from Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Other anticancer programs in development include a monoclonal antibody and a cell cycle inhibitor. The Company is leveraging its drug discovery technologies to elucidate the mechanisms-of-action of drug candidates and to support the growth of its drug pipeline. The Company has formed successful alliances with a number of pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. For example, the Company has a multi-year alliance with ALTANA Pharma AG working with the ALTANA Research Institute in the U.S., which provides GPC Biotech with revenues until 2007. GPC Biotech AG is headquartered in Martinsried/Munich (Germany). The Company's wholly owned U.S. subsidiary has research and development sites in Waltham, Massachusetts and Princeton, New Jersey.

ALTANA Research Institute (ARI) is the entrepreneurial biotechnology division of ALTANA Pharma AG. ARI is exploring innovative technologies to support the company's drug discovery efforts. The ARI team has developed state-of-the-art automated genomics and proteomics research capabilities as well as a sophisticated bioinformatics platform. ARI scientists are applying the technology platform toward the identification of new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of diseases in ALTANA Pharma's core therapeutic areas. By adding and providing a fully integrated technology platform to the existing research engine, ARI will further increase the value of ALTANA Pharma's early- and late-stage pipeline for innovative therapeutic products.

Additional BioInformatics drug discovery resources ...

Genomics: Structural Bioinformatics Proprietary protein structure platform to accelerate drug discovery within the existing research infrastructure of the pharmaceutical ...

Beyond Genomics Unveils Revolutionary Approach to Drug Discovery: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... to design and build our bioinformatics platform and feel that ... leverages its technology platform across a ... of applications in drug discovery, product development ...

Six Sigma Energy Assessments: A Methodology for Analysis ...

Six Sigma Energy Assessments: Plant Uses Six Sigma Methodology and Traditional Heat Balance Analysis to Identify Energy Conservation Opportunities ...

The plant-wide energy assessment at W. R. Grace’s Curtis Bay Works in Baltimore, Maryland, identified four technically and economically viable projects with combined potential savings of $840,000 per year (approximately 96,000 million British thermal units [MMBtu] per year in fuel and 4.8 million kilowatt hours per year [kWh/yr] in electricity).

... The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) cosponsored the assessment through a competitive process. DOE promotes plant-wide energy-efficiency assessments that will lead to improvements in industrial energy efficiency, productivity, and global competitiveness, and will reduce waste and environmental emissions. W. R. Grace & Company’s Davison Product Line produces materials used in petroleum refining, paints, plastics, dentifrices, and edible oil refining. Davison’s products are intermediates for consumer products produced by other companies. Davison, which became part of W. R. Grace in 1954, has 13 production facilities worldwide. The Curtis Bay Works in Baltimore, Maryland, is the largest and most diverse site. The Curtis Bay Works is a multi-plant, multi-product facility covering nearly 90 acres and employing 700 people. Comprising 10 production facilities (Plant #1 through Plant #10) that manufacture thousands of products, Curtis Bay Works is separated into four complexes based on product lines. ...

Six Sigma is a rigorous and disciplined methodology that uses data and statistical analysis to measure and improve operational performance by identifying and eliminating defects in manufacturing and service-related processes. The goal of Six Sigma is to improve products and processes by eliminating variability, defects, and waste. The use of Six Sigma analysis tools provides a unique technique for energy conservation project comparison and selection. The concept can be applied across a broad section of manufacturing industries.

Additional resources on six sigma energy assessments ...

AFE : Strategic Training Partners: include the following: Project Management; Microsoft Project; Six Sigma Quality; ... by manufacturers to conduct pollution prevention and energy assessments, as well ...

National Insulation Association: Representing ... over manufacturing strategies like Six Sigma, total quality ... concurrently through DOE's six regional offices. ... no-cost, one-day energy assessments to eligible ...

Industries of the Future Plant-Wide Energy Efficiency Opportunity: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... Please submit six (6) copies of your technical ... Proposals should be for plant energy assessments that have ... Chemicals Inorganic Products 6 Sigma analysis of new ...

Pollution Prevention and Profitability Go Hand In Hand: of quality and total value, and achieving Six Sigma Quality products and ... Technical assistance includes energy assessments, engineering analyses, and the design ...

Six Sigma and CMMI Certification: DTCC Achieves CMMI Level 2 Certification;

Six Sigma and CMMI Certification: DTCC Achieves CMMI Level 2 Certification; Carnegie Mellon ` ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... such as software and systems engineering and dovetails with other process-improvement methods used elsewhere in the organization, including Six Sigma and the ...

... The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC) today announced that its entire Applications Development and Maintenance (ADM) technology division has passed a formal assessment to achieve a Capability Maturity Model(R) Integration (CMMI(R)) Level 2 rating in all areas of the CMMI disciplines. This internationally recognized assessment from Carnegie Mellon University's Software Engineering Institute (SEI) means that DTCC's technology division has established effective, well-defined processes and procedures in project management and software development that meet CMMI Level 2, and in certain cases, CMMI Level 3, requirements. ADM is responsible for developing, managing and testing all software used by DTCC and its subsidiaries for all services. ...

The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation (DTCC), through its subsidiaries, provides clearance, settlement and information services for equities, corporate and municipal bonds, government and mortgage-backed securities and over-the-counter credit derivatives. DTCC's depository also provides custody and asset servicing for more than two million securities issues from the United States and 100 other countries and territories. In addition, DTCC is a leading processor of mutual funds and insurance transactions, linking funds and carriers with their distribution networks. DTCC has operating facilities in multiple locations in the United States and overseas.

Six Sigma in Retail: AMR Research Six Sigma Retailing Quotient Helps Retailers Find ...

Six Sigma in Retail: AMR Research Six Sigma Retailing Quotient Helps Retailers Find ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... AMR Research has created a self-assessment tool called the Six Sigma Retailing Quotient, which is a set of metrics that helps retailers realize these lost ...

... In the hyper-competitive retail industry, merchandising and promotional plans that are not consistently and properly executed in every store result in billions of dollars in lost sales. Out-of-stocks and unknowledgeable store associates are only a few of the complaints that cause customers to shop elsewhere. According to AMR Research, such issues cause an average customer to not return after three negative
experiences. Wal-Mart claims that each lost customer represents over $200,000 in lifetime lost sales. Even though retailers have hints of why problems exist, 80% have not measured their store operations. AMR Research has created a self-assessment tool called the Six Sigma Retailing Quotient, which is a set of metrics that helps retailers realize these lost profits. ...

AMR Research provides world class research and actionable advice for executives tasked with delivering enhanced business process performance and cost savings with the aid of technology. 5,000 leaders in the Global 1000 put their trust in AMR Research's integrity, depth of industry expertise, and passion for customer service to support their most critical business initiatives, including supply chain transformation, new product introduction, customer profitability, compliance and governance, and IT benefit realization. AMR Research's Six Sigma Retailing methodology and quotient is being adopted by retailers worldwide. Retailers interested in measuring the effectiveness of their store operations can access AMR Research's quotient by visiting http://www.amrresearch.com.

Lean Manufacturing Could Improve Performance at Nine More Sites ...

From ITP: Fourth Round of Plant-Wide Assessments ...

... "Ford Motor Company, Cleveland, Ohio, will address the production process and will apply the principles of lean manufacturing to identify energy and cost reductions in the manufacturing operation. Formosa Plastics, Port Comfort, Texas, and its partners will conduct a plant-wide study to develop and implement methods and strategies that address energy efficiency, waste reduction, productivity, and global competitiveness. Georgia Pacific, Crossett, Arkansas, developed a plan to evaluate the plant as an integrated entity to achieve system-wide gains. The plant will use computer-modeling tools to verify mill data and perform system-wide optimization. Jernberg Industries, Chicago, Illinois, will apply lean manufacturing principles and identify waste stream and productivity opportunities that can save energy. North Star Steel, Wilton, Iowa, will focus on energy, waste, and productivity and will initiate a total assessment audit to identify opportunities in the manufacturing systems facility." ...

Six Sigma Improvement Opportunity: University of New Orleans, College of Engineering Study on Continuous Improvement of Drydocking Management

From The Office of Naval Research's Best Manufacturing Practices (BMP) Program ...

... "The results of the survey identified the need for standardization, performance metrics, better risk and ship condition (e.g., corrosion in the hull, plating in the cargo spaces, etc.) assessment, and new reliability and maintenance management strategies. Standardization is needed for items and units for pricing, reporting progress, and specification formats. Performance metrics are not currently used in making decisions. Better risk assessment is needed for scheduling and selecting shipyards as well as better ship condition assessment to create more precise specifications. Six Sigma can be implemented as a management strategy." ...

Six Sigma Market Leader: MEGA International Achieves Leadership Status in META Group's ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... MEGA was also noted for supporting New Basel II, Six Sigma, Balanced Scorecard, Zachman Framework, RACI, and EA, which includes MEGA's City Planning approach. ...

... MEGA International, the leading independent provider of enterprise business process analysis and enterprise architecture solutions, today announced that it has been ranked as a market leader in META Group's METAspectrum(SM) report for Enterprise Architecture Modeling Tools. META Group is a leading provider of information technology (IT) research, advisory services, and strategic consulting. The new METAspectrum evaluation provides an objective assessment of companies providing enterprise architecture modeling tools. ...

MEGA International is the global leader in Process Excellence and Enterprise Architecture modeling solutions. The MEGA value driven approach combines proven methods, modeling software and consulting to deliver the client enterprise repository. This enterprise repository provides to executives and operational managers the ability to understand, discover, align and control as governed from the enterprise level. MEGA International, headquartered in Paris, France and founded in 1991, focuses in Europe and North America through operations and affiliates in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Canada, Mexico, and recently in Central and Eastern Europe. MEGA clients include Alitalia, Allianz, British American Tobacco, Credit Lyonnais, General Electric EP Europe, Novartis, Renault, Societe Generale, Target, Vitro and Wyeth.

META Group's METAspectrum(SM) methodology provides a framework for evaluating or selecting an appropriate IT vendor or product, simplifies the decision process, and enables more effective technology investments. META Group's research efforts, which adhere to the company's commitment to objectivity, are conducted independently, based on industry best-practice methodologies and subject to the highest levels of review by META Group's research community.

SAS70 Success: Pegasus TransTech Successfully Completes SAS 70 Audit

... "Pegasus TransTech, a leading provider of products and services that facilitate global commerce, announced today that it has successfully completed a voluntary service audit of its TRANSFLO Express and TRANSFLO ASP operations. The SAS 70 audit followed American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) guidelines for the professional standards used by a service auditor to assess the internal controls of a service organization. The resulting audit report addresses all five components of internal control outlined in the Sarbanes-Oxley legislation: the control environment, risk assessment activities, control activities, information and communication systems, and monitoring activities. Pegasus management chose to undergo the audit as a measure of accountability to the company's customers, including those who have Sarbanes-Oxley compliance programs. " ...

Event Tree Analysis ETA: Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Complex Systems

From Argonne National Laboratory ...

... "PRA is used to estimate the probability of the failure of a system and to determine what the most likely contributors are to that failure. It is also used in system-reliability assessments. When applied at an early stage of a project, PRA can be a valuable design tool. At later stages, PRA can be used to guide the acceptance testing of a system. Capabilities exist for a computerized fault tree and event tree analysis, common cause analysis, and importance analysis. These techniques have been used in the design of nuclear reactors, including the assessment of the effect on risk and reliability of plant modifications, equipment aging, procedure changes, and changes in technical specifications; and also to guide the design of advanced transportation vehicles. " ...

FMEA Failure Mode and Effects Analysis: Fuel Cycle Facility (FCF) Safety Exhaust System Assessment

From Argonne National Laboratory ...

... "An assessment of the safety exhaust system (SES) at the FCF at Argonne-West included the SES mechanical components, a separate failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA) of the sense-and-command system that operates the SES, and a fault tree analysis of the sense-and-command system. The FMEAs provided insight into the system failure modes and identified potential single failures. " ...

Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) is one of the U.S. Department of Energy's largest research centers. It is also the nation's first national laboratory, chartered in 1946 with the mission of developing nuclear reactors for peaceful purposes. Over the years, Argonne's research has expanded to include many areas of science, engineering, and technology. Today, ANL supports over 200 research programs and capabilities, ranging from analytical chemistry of long-lived radioisotopes, to X-ray beam system design, to global climate change research.

Lean Manufacturing Solutions: SCMEP Receives $108,000 Federal Grant to Jumpstart Upstate South ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST), SCMEP offers business and technology assessments, engineering expertise and lean manufacturing solutions to ...

... The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has awarded the South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP) an initial $50,000 grant to assist small manufacturers in six Upstate counties in penetrating the composites market. SCMEP will match grant funds with an additional $58,487, bringing the total outlay to $108,487. The six counties to benefit from funding include Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg. Through all three phases of this initiative, SCMEP estimates it can assist up to 25 manufacturing companies through technology advancement, customer and market connections, workforce development, and process improvements. ...

The South Carolina Manufacturing Extension Partnership (SCMEP), headquartered in Columbia, SC, is a not-for-profit organization that helps manufacturers throughout the state solve business and supply chain process problems. Supported by the state legislature and an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technologies (NIST), SCMEP offers business and technology assessments, engineering expertise and lean manufacturing solutions to South Carolina manufacturers in search of a single solution for supply chain synchronization and internal optimization processes. SCMEP provides this business and technology support to manufacturers through onsite consultations, partnerships with state technical colleges and research universities to provide educational programs, online assessment, an e-services portal, and
other business tools. Using SCMEP's services enables manufacturers to see business benefits at a faster rate and enhances economic development in South Carolina.

Value Stream: F-16 maintainers educate, motivate to transform processes

From AFMC Public Affairs Link ...

... "With the education goal in their sites, core team members and the SwRI consultants began with an area assessment that included developing a value stream map to illustrate the value-added, and the non-value-added steps in the wing repair process, Dugan said. They also conducted numerous training sessions to teach both management and shop employees essential Lean tools which emphasize workplace organization and cleanliness. After the initial training sessions were complete, a detailed value stream map analysis showed that a major area of improvement could be found in the pylon rib assembly process, he said." ...

Balanced Scorecard: BSC for Management

Balanced Scorecard: BSC for Management

From Department of Energy, Office of Procurement and Assistance Management ...

... "From the very beginning of the transition from the traditional purchasing and personal property system reviews to the redesigned Federal and contractor system assessment approaches that replaced them, it was understood that further refinement and continuous improvement would occur. Consistent with that long-term strategy, and building on the originally redesigned Federal and contractor purchasing and property assessments, the Department's business system assessment models evolved to bring them more formally into line with the Balanced ScoreCard (BSC) approach to performance measurement and management, which is currently in use by many 'world class' private corporations. " ...

Balanced Scorecard: Guide To BSC

From US Department of Commerce, Office of Acquisition Management ...

... "The PMAT did extensive research and made site visits to leaders in performance measurement and management in an attempt to identify an assessment methodology appropriate for federal organizations. The model chosen was developed by Drs. David Norton and Robert Kaplan the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) model. As modified by the PMAT, the measurement model identified critical success factors for acquisition systems, and developed performance measures within the four perspectives discussed below. Agencies which implemented the PMAT model utilized generic survey instruments and statistics obtained from the Federal Procurement Data System and other available data systems to determine the overall health of the system and how effectively it met its performance goals. " ...

Six Sigma Learning Program: Novations Learning Technologies Partners with Motorola University ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Novations Learning Technologies division (NLT), based in Lansing, Michigan, has partnered with Motorola University to transform its Six Sigma methodology into ...

Six Sigma e-Learning is a convenient method of knowledge delivery to an enterprise. Self-paced e-Learning content can be delivered virtually and accomplished at an employees schedule in an efficient manner ...

... Novations Group Inc., a global professional services firm committed to building human performance, today announced that its Novations Learning Technologies division (NLT), based in Lansing, Michigan, has partnered with Motorola University to transform its Six Sigma methodology into newly developed e-learning programs that are available for sale externally. The Six Sigma methodology is a proven tool set for driving and achieving transformational change within an organization. The Six Sigma e-Foundations course is an introductory course applicable to all employees within an organization and can be completed in approximately two hours. ...

Novations Learning Technologies (NLT) provides software and services to help businesses improve their performance and productivity through employee assessment, workforce education, certification and compliance testing, and improved communications with customers and partners. Their software product line includes learning management systems, competency management systems, testing and assessment tools, business and soft skills off-the-shelf content, and custom e-learning development. Novations Learning Technologies is a division of Novations Group, a global professional services firm committed to building human performance.

Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) is a global leader in wireless, broadband and automotive communications technologies that help make life smarter, safer, simpler, synchronized and fun. Sales in 2003 were $27.1 billion. Motorola creates innovative technological solutions that benefit people at home, at work and on the move. The company also is a progressive corporate citizen dedicated to operating ethically, protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which it does business. Motorola University is Motorola's corporate change agent and world-renowned corporate university. It brings time-tested and highly refined business improvement practices to leading organizations around the world. Most notably, as the inventor of the Six Sigma Methodology for business improvement, Motorola University offers a variety of Six Sigma services designed for speed, results and sustainability - whatever the size or nature of your business.

QFD Quality function Deployment: Affordability Only Map

... "Affordability Only Map: This chart identifies the top ten technologies from the QFD assessment showing the most promise in achieving the three affordability goals. Note that four of the top five technologies are related to structures. Also note that the #1 and #10 technologies deal with processes and tools. " ...

Kaizen Technique: Lockheed Martin Naval Electronics & Surveillance Systems-Surface Systems - Moorestown, NJ:Supplier Kaizen Event

From The Office of Naval Research's Best Manufacturing Practices (BMP) Program ...

... "the Material Acquisition Center Mid-Atlantic Region (MAC-MAR) at Lockheed Martin NE&SS-SS implemented the Supplier Kaizen Event. Kaizen in Japanese simply means improvement, and this type of methodology teaches that higher levels of performance can be achieved through an ongoing process of continuous improvement. MAC-MAR proactively addresses delivery concerns with key suppliers by providing them with an on-site, two-day Kaizen continuous improvement training event. Its focus is to improve administrative paperwork surrounding the quoting, receiving, processing, and shipping of orders. The Supplier Kaizen Event features training in Kaizen methodology, process charting, self-assessment, brainstorming, problem identification, and developing action items. " ...

The Office of Naval Research's Best Manufacturing Practices (BMP) Program was created in 1985 to help businesses identify, research, and promote exceptional manufacturing practices, methods, and procedures. Its objective is to empower defense and commercial customers to operate at a higher level of efficiency and effectiveness.

Six Sigma Contact Centers: etalk Fortifies Award-Winning Product Portfolio with Compelling ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... team.". "Our consulting services approach is holistic, and employs best practices such as Lean concepts and Six Sigma," Lee added. ...

This release discusses EcoLabs' approach to Six Sigma continuous improvement using etalk in their contact centers...

... etalk Corporation, the leading provider of maximum Performance Impact(TM) solutions for enterprise contact centers, announced today a new set of consulting services for contact center customers that allow them to maximize their investments in performance management by optimizing solutions for their unique needs. etalk is offering three new distinct consultative services to help contact center customers get the most out of their performance management capabilities. The first offering is a comprehensive assessment of the customer's contact center solutions environment that analyzes its current processes, identifies strengths and opportunities for improvement, and recommends actionable items for immediate improvement. The second offering helps customers design and implement a complete call monitoring program that optimizes performance management for the contact center. ...

etalk is a global leader of Maximum Performance Impact solutions for enterprise contact centers. Since its inception in 1983, etalk solutions have been used to build valuable long-term customer relationships at more than 1,500 worldwide contact centers. The etalk suite of integrated solutions, including the Qfiniti(TM), JASS(TM), Recorder(R), Advisor(TM), Expert(TM) and Survey(TM), improve both customer service and the CRM decision-making process. Using this combination of etalk's award-winning products and outstanding services, customers can design, implement and continually refine their quality program initiatives, achieving their overall business objectives. etalk operates in more than 40 countries through its Worldwide Business Partner Program.

Sustainability and SCM: Paths to Sustainability in Supply Chain Management

From SocialFunds.com ... Diagnostic builds on a unique multi-stakeholder project to provide a source of inspiration for companies considering sustainable supply chain management (SSCM ...

... As globalisation has increased both supply chain complexity and the pressure on companies to do the right thing, the Nordic Partnership launches a new self-assessment tool. The Nordic Partnership SSCM Self Diagnostic builds on a unique multi-stakeholder project to provide a source of inspiration for companies considering sustainable supply chain management (SSCM). ...

The Nordic Partnership is an NGO-business network founded in 2001 by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), Danish media centre Monday Morning and key corporate players operating in the Nordic region. The Nordic Partnership builds on the active commitment, trust, shared goals and complementary capabilities of our network members. The overarching goal that drives our actions and activities is to make sustainability a rewarding business. Using a partnership approach, the members of the Nordic Partnership work together to find new ways of making sustainable initiatives more attractive and rewarding to business.

Lean Six Sigma: Xerox Wins $23 Million Contract with HSBC, Inks Multimillion ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... in research and technology, Xerox invests 5 percent to 6 percent of its revenue in innovations including document technologies, Lean Six Sigma-based assessment ...

... Demonstrating growing market momentum and demand for document services, Xerox Corporation (NYSE: XRX) today announced a $23 million contract with financial powerhouse HSBC and a multimillion-dollar win with aerospace giant The Boeing Company (NYSE: BA). Xerox simultaneously announced an expanded suite of services and software designed to serve customers' changing information technology needs, cut costs, and streamline work processes in businesses small and large. In a briefing today with more than 100 industry analysts, Xerox Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Anne M. Mulcahy said the new developments reflect the company's increasing focus on value-added services - a business that is on track to generate 20 percent growth in 2004. ...

Xerox Corporation (NYSE:XRX) is a $15.7 billion technology and services enterprise that helps businesses deploy smart document management strategies and find better ways to work. Its intent is to constantly lead with innovative technologies, products and solutions that customers can depend upon to improve business results. Headquartered in Stamford, Conn., Xerox is No.130 among the Fortune 500 and has 60,600 employees worldwide, including 35,100 in the United States (March 2004). The company's operations are guided by customer-focused and employee-centered core values -- such as social responsibility, diversity and quality -- augmented by a passion for innovation, speed and adaptability.

Six Sigma Training: MMTC Reveals New 2004 Fall Line-Up of Seminars

From PR Newswire (press release) ... drawings and blueprinting MMTC continues to offer its popular signature courses (ie, LEAN Business Solutions, ISO 9001:2000, ISO/TS 16949, Six Sigma Green Belt ...

... The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) announces its new seminar offerings -- designed to help Michigan businesses excel in today's market. MMTC continually updates its courses to provide customers with the very best tools to maintain their competitive edge. ...

The Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center (MMTC) provides Michigan's small and midsize businesses with assessment, technical assistance, support and engineering services, and business advice. Michigan businesses who completed projects with the MMTC in the most recent full year surveyed reported sales gains of $76.6 million, investments of $16.4 million, and 966 jobs created or retained -- as a direct result of their work with the Center. Headquartered in Plymouth, the MMTC also has five affiliate offices around the state (in Grand Rapids, Flint, Saginaw, Traverse City and Marquette) to serve Michigan's 15,431 smaller manufacturers.

Lean Manufacturing Certification: Electronic Equipment Manufacturer Realizes Dramatic Breakthrough ...

From PR Web (press release), WA ... Electronic Equipment Manufacturer Realizes Dramatic Breakthrough Performance Improvements with R. Michael Donovan Lean Manufacturing Certification Program. ...

... Most manufacturers have not achieved the performance improvements possible with lean manufacturing. While some steps in applying lean manufacturing principles have been taken, most manufacturing firms have not made significant progress in implementing lean manufacturing. ...

The Lean CertificationSM program allows manufacturers to quickly learn how their company measures up to world class lean manufacturing principles and best practices. The end result of the Lean Manufacturing Certification assessment program is a comprehensive and objective action plan that focuses on the specific steps to quickly achieve higher levels of business performance. Translation: manufacturers save money, increase productivity, profitability, and continue an ongoing improvement process. R. Michael Donovan & Co. is an international management consulting and education firm that provides manufacturers with business performance improvement services on a focused, enterprise-wide, or entire supply chain basis. For over thirty years R. Michael Donovan has a consistent record of providing manufacturing and distribution companies with highly competent professional assistance to help management improve business performance. The firm has developed highly effective methodologies for: Supply Chain Management, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Supply Chain Management, Business Process Redesign, Strategic Planning, ERP Systems, Cycle Time Reduction, Customer Service Improvement, Forecasting, Inventory Reduction, Profit Improvement, Flow Manufacturing, among others.

Biometrics: Registered Status Speeds Security Checks for Frequent Travelers

From Voice of America, DC ... program will be considered successful if it improves customer service without jeopardizing security, and demonstrates that biometrics - electronic fingerprints ...

The Computer Science and Telecommunications Board (CSTB) will convene an expert committee to provide a comprehensive assessment of biometrics that examines current capabilities, future possibilities, and the role of government in their development. This project will build on CSTB's recent project on authentication technologies and privacy. It will explore the technical and policy challenges associated with the development, evaluation, and use of biometric technologies and systems that incorporate them. It will examine associated research challenges and identify a multi- and inter-disciplinary research agenda to begin to meet them. Multiple stakeholders and points of view on multiple technologies, applications, and implementation issues will be examined as part of the study. International perspectives and considerations will be explored, as well. Throughout the study, inputs will be gathered through testimony and written material on the challenges, capabilities, and requirements of biometric systems as well as related policy and social questions. An interim report, drawing on a workshop and initial committee assessments will present a framing of the issues. A final consensus report with findings and recommendations will be produced.

Six Sigma Quality Processes: Exigen Survey Reveals the Causes and Effects of Corporate ...

From TMCnet ... almost half (49 percent) of those polled indicated that their organizations do not have a business process quality assessment program, such as Six Sigma or ISO ...

Lean Six Sigma: VSE Announces Enterprise Excellence(SM) Business Model

From PR Newswire (press release) ... organization's business decision processes, including its Quality Management Systems as well as the Voice of the Customer, and it implements Six Sigma and Lean ...

VSE Corporation’s approach to Enterprise Excellence builds upon Quality Management, Voice of the Customer, Six Sigma and Lean initiatives to balance and achieve effective and efficient business processes in any organization. This proven path to business process improvement, is accomplished through our unique approach, beginning with a through preliminary needs assessment to determine specific needs. VSE’s Management Sciences Division offers an experienced group of engineers, analysts and management professionals who are nationally and internationally recognized experts in product and process improvement. Management Sciences Division workshops and training are offered in two versions: Executive and Applications. Executive Workshops present a general outline of the topics and focus on the tools for managing their implementation. The Applications Workshops are designed to develop skilled practitioners. The VSE Management Sciences Division has developed a Lean Manufacturing Workshop that includes the principles of Six Sigma and the processes of Supply Chain Management. Lean Manufacturing is a proven disciplined approach to the reduction of cost and improvement in the effectiveness of manufacturing, administrative, management, and engineering processes.

Competitiveness depends on an organization's ability to provide customer satisfaction throughout the customer experience. It also means providing cost-effective products and services at a lower cost and more quickly than competitors. By combining Six Sigma and Supply Chain Management with Lean Manufacturing, a powerful tool is available that will identify opportunities for improvement, eliminate waste, maintain productivity gains, and extend the cost savings throughout the supply base. Lean Manufacturing has proven its ability to bring phenomenal cost reductions and quality improvements with essentially no major capital expenditures. Organizations that have implemented Lean Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management now dominate their competitors in terms of quality and unit cost for production. VSE’s Management Science Division provides the Lean Enterprise and Supply Chain Management Workshop that will assist organizations in the transition toward a lean approach for their production processes

Lean Enterprise Assessment: Lean Enterprise Self-Assessment To Measure Transformation Efforts in Aerospace...

The United States Lean Aerospace Initiative (LAI) based at the Massachusetts of Technology (MIT), in collaboration with the UK LAI, announces the public release of the Lean Enterprise Self-Assessment Tool (LESAT) Version 1.0 ...

The Lean Aerospace Initiative (LAI) is an evolving learning community that brings together key aerospace stakeholders from industry, government, organized labor, and MIT. It is a consortium-guided research program led by the MIT Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics in close collaboration with the Sloan School of Management, and is managed under the auspices of the Center for Technology, Policy and Industrial Development (CTPID), a MIT-wide interdisciplinary research center.

The term “lean” refers to the emerging conceptual framework for organizing and managing an organization so as to deliver maximum value to the customer, using the minimum quantity of resources and eliminating all forms of waste. It represents an expansion of the Toyota Production System, which is credited with revolutionizing automobile manufacturing.

Aviation technology company to expand in Salem

From Salem Statesman Journal, OR ... A lean manufacturing assessment suggested that the circuit-board inspection equipment would help make the company more competitive. ...