Improve BusinessProcess

Nice business process improvement checklist, including communication to stakeholders ...

... "Implement Change: Preparing the Organization — Communication is key here. The company must identify who needs to know about the change, what they need to know about it, and how to properly communicate the right information to the right people. " ...

Via Chem.Info: Ten Steps

Complaint Business Process Requires Listening Skills

Follow these steps to making the customer complaints process more efficient and effective. Enhance this customer experience to retain and grow your base of revenue. ...

... "Even if you know the resolution immediately, let the customer finish before you say anything. " ...

Via BusinessBrief: Turn complaints into opportunities

DuPont Six Sigma Integration

Dupont integrates Six Sigma into its legal processes, driving operational efficiencies for the legal department and its suppliers. ...

... "We have a very active Six Sigma program, and that has really served us well in terms of taking a look at defects that we have within our processes and eliminating them. " ...

Via The Metropolitan Corporate Counsel: DuPont Legal

Hexion Disciplined Six Sigma Improves Business Process

Hexion Specialty Chemicals is recognized with a 2009 Global Six Sigma & Business Improvement Award based on its achievement in deploying Six Sigma for enterprise business improvement in the chemical industry. ...

... "Six Sigma at Hexion is a disciplined, data-driven approach and methodology for eliminating defects in any business process. It provides various methods and tools to associates to examine processes within the business from the customer's perspective, and to improve them to increase efficiency and effectiveness. Hexion has implemented Six Sigma programming across its global organization and has made Six Sigma a core process in its business operations. Its award entry documented various business process improvements, savings and service enhancements resulting from embracing Six Sigma methodology as a way of doing business. " ...

Via Hexion Specialty Chemicals: Global Six Sigma & Business Improvement Award

Six Sigma drives Hexion's plant data reporting and analysis investments (PDF).

Hexion participates in industry efforts in benchmarking and best practice models. ...

Instantis Six Sigma Maturity Model (PDF): "The Six Sigma Maturity Model is a good representation of the journey Hexion has gone through so far in our Six Sigma deployment. My prior experience at multiple Fortune 100 companies also coincides with the model, commented Nipesh Shah corporate vice president of Six Sigma at Hexion Specialty Chemicals, the world’s largest producer of binder, adhesive, coating and ink resins for industrial applications. We look forward to participating in this research effort to get a better sense of how our progress stacks up against our peers. "

Here are some insights into their Six Sigma journey. ...

Via Aberdeen Group's Lean Six Sigma Benchmark Report (PDF): "We went after the best. We took plant managers and individuals who managed quality across the North American continent. They became our Black Belts. It takes time, but after 2 years we had a breakthrough. -Jonathan Squire, Hexion Specialty Chemicals, Inc. "

PHH Rallies to Drive Business Process Results

PHH Arval focuses on improving processes that matter to customers and achieves recognition for its branded improvement program. PHH works hard to understand and benchmark its business process performance against world class companies. ...

... "PHH is proud to announce that we have won a 2009 Global Six Sigma & Business Improvement Award for improvements made to the vehicle ordering process through Rally to Results, PHH’s process improvement program. " ...

Via PHH Arval: Global Six Sigma & Business Improvement Award (PDF)

Lean Six Sigma Survival Strategy

County exec has used Six Sigma and lean to bring efficiency to government. Chris Collins shares his passion and experience with these tools. He empowers the workforce to bring sustainable change to processes. ...

... "Collins said. Lean Six Sigma is probably the best survival tool there is. And someday as your competitors go out of business, I have a saying: If you're the last restaurant in town, you're going to be busy Saturday night. " ...

Via The Buffalo News: Six Sigma to Survive

Branston Production System Lean Process

Branston Ltd installs software system that enables its lean manufacturing capabilities. The system will collect data to analyze the performance of the company's business processes. ...

... "The LINKFresh 2 package will be configured to suit Branston’s lean manufacturing processes – the Branston Production System. It will provide a user-friendly interface to enable the company to collect, analyse and report on data from across all departments and sites ... " ...

Via Freshinfo: Branston system

Xerox ACS Lean Six Sigma Synergy

The combination of Xerox and Affiliated Computer Services will leverage a common strength of Lean Six Sigma applied to business processes. ...

Via Xerox: ACS Acquisition

Zilliant Six Sigma Pricing Review

Six Sigma identifies complex and dysfunctional pricing process and Zilliant provides software solution to the business problem. ...

... "In conducting a Six Sigma review, the building products manufacturer discovered that its pricing process was complex, poorly understood by its workforce, and ultimately relied on heavily undocumented tribal knowledge. This resulted in sales-people offering customers a broad range of prices on similar products, with as many as 50 percent of sales orders transacted below lowest-approved prices. By analyzing the manufacturer's historic sales and order data, Zilliant's solution identified roughly 6,000 price segments. " ...

Via Zilliant: Innovation Insight Award

Zilliant Pricing Solution: "Six months later, the group using Zilliant price points had substantially increased its margin contribution relative to those working as usual. "

Lydall Lean Six Sigma Improves Operating Processes and Cost Structure

Lydall reports results from a challenging period where revenues and earnings have decreased markedly. The company is responding with a reduced cost structure through Lean Six Sigma and manufacturing footprint actions, while managing the business for cash. ...

... "Going forward in 2009, we anticipate the significant progress we have made in improving our business operating processes through Lean Six Sigma, coupled with the major cost reductions from the North American automotive consolidation, will improve the Company’s financial results as our markets begin to stabilize. " ...

Via Lydall: SECOND QUARTER (PDF)

Lean Six Sigma Integrated with BPM

Information technology tools, such as business process management, have synergy with Lean and Six Sigma to improve the operational performance of the business. ...

... "BPM gives a comprehensive end-to-end process management and improves approach, with Lean addressing waste elimination and Six Sigma addressing the improvement of quality and repeatability of processes ... " ...

Via ITWeb: BPM and LSS

Lean Maintenance Process

Maintenance business processes are an opportunity to apply lean techniques to drive efficiency gains. Material receipt and handling from MRO suppliers can be made more efficient. In addition, proactive and reactive maintenance work flows can be streamlined to increase asset utilization rates. ...

... "To help streamline your maintenance department, group related actions into steps to help make the process as efficient as possible. This helps managers identify inefficiencies more clearly ... " ...

Via Plant Services: Maintenance processes

Green Belt Blended Learning

SUNY at Buffalo is offering a blended course of online and on-location education for Green Belt in Six Sigma, slated for the Fall - Sept. 3 through Nov. 12. ...

... "Green Belt Blended Learning course, offered by UB's Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE) in Fall 2009. Led by Master Black Belt Tom Miller, TCIE's senior business process performance manager, the 10-week program immerses candidates in the initial step of the Six Sigma methodology ... " ...

Via SUNY, University at Buffalo: Fall 2009 Green Belt Certification Course

Lean Eliminates Seven Wastes

FlexNet Lean Material Flow Software Deploys Best Practice Integration

Apriso and Accenture collaborate to deliver a best practice lean software solution that enables material flow and business processes, such as operations synchronization, visibility and controls, quality management and traceability, error proofing, and ERP system integration. ...

... "This new FlexNet solution fills some of the white spaces or gaps around Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) applications in Lean manufacturing environments, benefiting manufacturers who seek to reduce waste and cut cycle times while improving quality in logistics operations, production and customer responsiveness. Valeo, a $12B industry leading global automotive supplier, played an important role in the design of this solution by identifying key Tier 1 automotive supplier requirements while ensuring the solution adhered to Lean principles. " ...

Via Apriso: Lean Solution

Business Process Improvement through Collaboration and Information

IBM sees opportunity to transform business processes and create a more agile, dynamic enterprise through workforce collaboration and responsive business intelligence. It has aligned a set of its products and services to enable clients to close these gaps in business performance. ...

... "By improving collaboration between people and transforming business processes that are critical to success, organizations can become more agile and responsive to rapidly changing market conditions and better able to pursue new revenue opportunities. Inefficient business processes and barriers to collaboration can hamper business success, especially in a challenging economic environment. " ...

Via IBM: Leadership in Business Process Transformation

Headquarters Lean Process Design

Manufacturer consolidates its business processes into a single, integrated facility to accelerate its lean manufacturing practices. ...

... "By combining their facilities into one building, they will achieve lean manufacturing processes and likely increase business with the Department of Defense. I’m excited they’re investing in St. Louis County, said St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley. " ...

Via St. Louis Business Journal: Seiler

County Executive: "Dooley brings a belief to the position of County Executive that the 21st Century will require a higher level of responsibility, commitment, and giving back in order to overcome fiscal and environmental challenges that may arise. "

Seiler Instrument: "The Manufacturing Division at Seiler Instrument specializes in optical fire-control equipment and components for predominately the U.S. Military. "

CIO Lean Business Processes

The CIO role is evolving to include business process transformation, where lean and six sigma can play a role in reducing waste and increasing operational efficiency. ...

... "I own the lean transformation - process re-engineering, process improvement, six-sigma. When you have that responsibility, it forces you to get into everyone's business. " ...

Via Forbes: The CIO Role

Business Process Excellence

Better Management Through Lean Six Sigma

The average company can benefit from the discipline of lean and Six Sigma to manage quality and streamline the organization. ...

... "That's the power of Lean Six Sigma - having more profit from streamlining your existing processes, which will then free up resources to do the things you simply don't have time to do. " ...

Via Nova Scotia Business Journal: Six Sigma results

Process Improvement Portal Discussed

Use of portals to enable process improvement is discussed ...

Business Process Excellence Seminars

Upcoming process excellenc seminars ...

... "PROCESS IMPROVEMENT METRICS -- LEAN SIX SIGMA METRICS: July 22, CPCC Harris Campus. Speaker: Gary Klipp ... " ...

Via Charlotte Observer: Business Calendar

Six Sigma DMADV for Business Process Improvements

Six Sigma methodology can become your foundation for improvement of business processes. DMAIC or DMADV framework can provide the steps necessary to define opportunities, create change, and drive adoption. As companies implement and upgrade ERP systems, the improvement of business process is necessary to create value from the investment. ...

... "It not only provides the framework for setting up new business processes, but also for redesigning processes that have reached their inherent performance limits. The DMADV model includes the project phases of define, measure, analyze, design, and verify. " ...

Via SAP INFO: BPI, Improving Business Processes

Process Excellence with Six Sigma Discipline

IDS Scheer and Minitab will partner to integrated their solutions to enable Six Sigma methodology to visualize and enhance enterprise operational performance. ...

... "Customers need BPM to constantly align their processes with business needs. ARIS Six Sigma combines IDS Scheer's proven Business Process Excellence approach and Six Sigma's statistics-driven view. This not only guarantees visibility of the specific reasons for weak points in critical processes, but also enables customers to implement processes for continuous improvement. " ...

Via IDS Scheer AG: Unified Six Sigma Offering for Business Process Excellence

Perfect Process

Six Sigma seminar this spring ...

... "Creating Perfect Processes -- Six Sigma and Process Control, April 22, RCCC's Cabarrus Business & Technology Center. Speaker: Vinay Vasudev. " ...

Via Charlotte Observer: BUSINESS NOTES

Kanban 2-Bin System Supports Visual Reordering

Kanban system coupled with mobile scanning devices makes for lean inventory and procurement replenishment process. ...

TQM Total Quality Across the Organization

Total quality management requires a rethinking of the organization. The workforce should be enabled through training and mentoring. Roles should be defined to monitor quality in the process. And, the organization should understand how the customer values quality. ...

... "Put simply, Total Quality Management (TQM) is the process of instilling quality throughout an organisation and its business processes. " ...

Via Economic Times: Quality management

Hospital Lean Thinking Enabled By RFID Technology

Hospital will digitize lean thinking through the use of RFID technology in healthcare processes. ...

... "HealthIT Cluster chief executive Andrea Pettet says the trial aims to use RFID tagging to ease overcrowding in emergency departments, using the principles of lean thinking. " ...

Via Stuff.co.nz: Hospital Patient Tracking

Hospital Operational Efficiency

Kaizen and IT-enabled Processes Expected to Make Healthcare More Efficient and Effective

Lean practices are applied to healthcare in the UK as management systems are improved. ...

... "The Kaizen problem-solving system will also be applied to the turnaround time for lab tests, such as biopsy samples, which will help speed up diagnoses. Much of the work is likely to involve better use of IT systems ... " ...

Via The Scotsman: NHS Lothian

Leverage Information Technology in the Lean Manufacturing Environment

Information technology has role in the lean manufacturing enterprise of the future. ...

... "New competitive threats have emerged in Asia, and ahead-of-the curve manufacturers are leveraging IT not only to help establish partnerships in places like China, but to extract more out of their lean-manufacturing strategies, optimize business processes, enable growth, and learn more about their customers. " ...

Via Wisconsin Technology: Manufacturing IT

Lean Six Sigma Maritime Shipping Processes

Maersk partners with Mason School of Business to develop and deliver Lean Six Sigma training program for the company focused on business processes that enable maritime shipping. ...

... "The contract represents a customized engagement, where the faculty of the Mason School designed the Lean Six Sigma training and project management program to fit Maersk's unique needs and operating environment. Participants in the program will represent Maersk's key operating and business processes that will bring added value to its operations by using Lean Six Sigma methods to dramatically improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their processes. Lean Six Sigma is an integrated methodology, applying in a harmonized way two proven, powerful management methodologies: Lean and Six Sigma. Of these, Lean is primarily concerned with ensuring the efficiency of processes, so that they operate at minimum cost and at maximum speed, using resources in an optimal way. Six Sigma, on the other hand, focuses chiefly on process effectiveness, that is, customer satisfaction, high quality and near-zero defect rates. These methods have been known and used in business and industry for some time, primarily in a stand-alone mode. Integrated training and deployment of the two is a more recent development, where the Mason School's faculty has done groundbreaking work, based on long academic and hands-on industrial experience. " ...

Via College of William and Mary: Mason School of Business Partners with World's Largest Maritime Shipping Company

Six Sigma Supplier Development

Xcitec uses Six Sigma methodology to create supplier optimization projects that translate into successful supplier relationships. ...

... "Xcitec supplier development based on Six Sigma is carried out in 5 process steps (DMAIC = define, measure, analyze, improve, control): development projects are defined, measures established, causes documented and corresponding solutions and goals are set. Process progress is routinely measured and monitored in order to secure supplier development and to sustainably optimize cooperation with suppliers. Supplier and purchasers receive regular updates regarding development progress and the degree of implementation for the optimization measures. " ...

Via Xcitec: Strategic Purchasing

Business Process Improvement

Lean and Six Sigma are great methods if applied properly. A good understanding of the underlying business and business processes is critical. ...

... "And yet, some laboratory managers take six sigma and lean tools and misuse them. Incorrectly used, these tools can endanger the viability of a pathology department and the quality of the service. " ...

Via Medical Laboratory World: Business Process Improvement

Business Process Improvement through Six Sigma

CEO charts strategy to improve profitability and drive growth, targeting the use of Six Sigma to create disciplined business processes. ...

... "Improve the logistics of the Company's tissue supply operations in Detroit, USA. Our US operation has seen significant revenue growth from 2005 to 2006. In order to position the Company for future growth, action will be taken to standardise and systemise our key processes and biobank operations, via a six sigma review. " ...

Via Asterand: Strategy Announcement

Financial Services Business Process Improvement Use SixSigma

Information technology is not leading Six Sigma business process improvement in financial services. ...

... "majority of global financial services companies are using some form (or combination) of modern process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma or Process Management. " ...

Via Bank Systems and Technology: Bank Process Improvement

Cummins Six Sigma Exemplary

Cummins is an exemplar in the application of Six Sigma to all business process and has integrated the methodology into its culture. ...

... "The diesel-engine maker estimates it has completed 2,500 Six Sigma projects since 2000, saving or avoiding more than $1.4 billion in costs. " ...

Via Indianapolis Star: Six Sigma Success Story

Six Sigma Customer Interactions

Covad differentiates in the hosting space through Six Sigma in the customer-facing business processes. ...

... "Covad partners with Source 1 HTMT on a six sigma process to continuously improve customer interactions. This is supplemented by other key vendor relationships, including third party quality monitoring and consulting. Continuous auditing, clarification and refinement of existing processes are also provided, for quality assurance and specialized, targeted customer solutions. " ...

Via Covad: Covad to Present at 2007 Outsourcing World Summit

Lombardi LeanSixSigma Business Process Management BPM Webinar

Webinar will explore integration of Lean Six Sigma and BPM initiatives. ...

... "live webinar: Connecting BPM and Lean Six Sigma. The hour-long event will broadcast on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. ET (18:00 GMT). Master Black Belt Lance Gibbs of Lombardi will discuss how companies can leverage existing Lean Six Sigma practices and assets in their BPM initiatives. He will discuss how companies that are doing BPM projects today can get started with Lean Six Sigma concepts, as well as how Lean Six Sigma practitioners can help get their companies' BPM projects started on the right foot. " ...

Lombardi and Industry Expert Highlight Connecting Business Process Management With Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Initiatives

JosephAbboud Lean Manufacturing Process

Men's clothing manufacturer, Joseph Abboud, is committed to on-shore manufacturing as its competes in a global environment through lean manufacturing principles. ...

... "Joseph Abboud's recently completed state-of-the-art distribution center is just one facet of the company's plan to expand the capabilities at its Belleville Avenue facility, while beginning to embrace a lean manufacturing process. " ...

Via SouthCoastToday: Link

SixSigma: Incremental Business Process Improvement Best

Hackett Group research sees Six Sigma as best utilized to support continuous improvement in shared service / back-office processes. Hackett finds that Six Sigma may be inappropriately applied to enterprise transformations, where it is weak. ...

... "Many Hackett clients find Six Sigma to be a powerful tool for incremental improvement. Using a combination of Six Sigma and LEAN, one U.S. client was able to achieve major progress in accounts payable, including a 50% reduction in payment processing time, largely by identifying errors and eliminating non-value-added activities. At another Hackett client, Six Sigma played a key role in their ability to decrease cycle times and reduce costs as they built a global shared services organization. Overall, Hackett's research shows that 86% of all finance shared services organizations have a strong commitment to continuous improvement programs such as Six Sigma. " ...

Via The Hackett Group: Six Sigma Not a Silver Bullet for Back-Office Improvements

SixSigma CEO: New Business Pedigree

Larry Ryan, PhD and Six Sigma-certified business leader, is named the new Chief Executive Officer of SulphCo. ...

... "Dr. Ryan comes to SulphCo from the General Electric Advanced Materials Division, where he led the Elastomers and RTV business. Dr. Ryan has a PhD from the University of Delaware, a Six-Sigma Blackbelt certification, and a long history of working with chemical process-dependent technologies. " ...

Via Yahoo! Finance: SulphCo Appoints New CEO and Chairman ...

Efficiency Program: Lean Manufacturing Training

SPX Cooling Technologies implements lean manufacturing to position the company to compete in the global marketplace. ...

... "They needed to retrain all their existing workers and wanted to install a more lean, advanced manufacturing process in order to become more competitive in the global environment ... " ...

Via Kansas City Business Journal: Read

Six Sigma Marketing ROI

Marketing is key to a successful business strategy that is focused on growth. A disciplined process is necessary for implementing marketing strategies that transform the business' commercial success. ...

... "In fact, the ROI process at Dow Corning actually emerged from its Voice of the Customer (Six Sigma) efforts." ...

Via MarketingProfs: Marketing ROI in 2007 ...

Executive Appointment: Six Sigma Philosophy Key

Executive appointed to drive efficiency and business process improvements through Six Sigma perspective. ...

... "In his new position, Mr. O'Keeffe will transform TNS Custom Research's Operations and MCP into best-in-class organizations by driving business-side efficiency and process improvements and by leveraging process and work-flow expertise gained from a decade of work with the Six Sigma philosophy. He will also be responsible for collaborating with TNS' global headquarters to help develop the company's overall global operations strategy. " ...

Via TNS: TNS Announces Michael O'Keeffe as Executive Vice President, Operations and MCP and Larry Levin as Executive Vice President, U.S. Consumer Goods & Services ...

Six Sigma Moto Legacy

Motorola has been able to integrate Six Sigma into its culture while accelerating its innovation engine. ...

... "the company's more lasting contribution to the world is something decidedly more wonkish: the quality-improvement process called Six Sigma. " ...

Via Business Week: Link

Balanced Scorecard Decision Support

Financial company deploys BI software to enable decision support through a balanced scorecard. ...

... "Pentaho Corp., creator of the world's most popular open source business intelligence (BI) suite, announced that Italian commercial finance firm Unionfidi S.C. has deployed Pentaho’s Open BI Suite to deliver a balanced scorecard, reporting, and analysis application that provides vital information and decision support to multiple departments. This application, built with the Pentaho Open BI Suite and called UFIntelligence, is deployed to Unionfidi S.C. employees in risk management, accounting, human resources, marketing, and other departments: said Davide De Ruvo, CIO at Unionfidi S.C.. The centerpiece of this application is a balanced scorecard that provides key metrics from multiple business perspectives including financial, customer, business process, and learning and growth. Our users also have access to supporting reports and analytical views linked to the scorecard, and receive standard reports relevant to their roles via e-mail. Users in the Loans Department, for example, receive frequent, timely reports on customer loan deadlines. " ...

Via Pentaho: Italian Financial Firm Unionfidi S.C. Deploys Pentaho for Enterprise Business Intelligence ...

Six Sigma Dashboard: Performance Management

Performance management enables focus on the Six Sigma banner metrics that drive cultural change. ...

... "Her company taps a bag of PM-oriented tricks, ranging from balanced scorecards to Six Sigma-all of which must be managed and tracked at the people, process, and technology levels. " ...

Via Enterprise Systems: Link

Lean 80 SixSigma 20: Air Force Operations

Air Force embraces Lean Six Sigma to change its culture with an eye towards an 80/20 split, when the improvement situation warrants. ...

... "Chief Norris agreed and said the wing is looking to use Lean tools about 80 percent of the time, and Six Sigma, Theory of Constraints and Business Process Re-engineering tools the other 20 percent. " ...

Via Air Force Link: USAFE's 1st AFSO 21 manager to Lean up Spangdahlem

Kaizen Toyota Corolla Dependabiity ...

Toyota Corolla's dependability is a result of relentless focus on continuous improvement through kaizen. ...

... "Every process -- from assembly operations to the paint shop, from bringing in parts to loading finished cars on trucks or trains -- has been refined. Toyota calls it kaizen, or continuous improvement. " ...

Via SanJose Mercury: The bestselling car ever

Microsoft CIO: GE SixSigma Disciple ...

CIO Stuart Scott, who has a background in Six Sigma from GE, speaks about the evolution of his role from an applications and business-process-focus to full CIO responsibility for driving IT innovation at Microsoft. ...

... "PressPass: It's said that you're a Six Sigma black belt. Could you explain what that means and why it's an asset, and tell us how you parlay that sort of expertise into success in your role as CIO? Scott: Six Sigma is a data-driven process for making business decisions and choosing investments that help ensure a return for your business. It's a discipline in which you use analytical tools to draw out statistically significant information. So if you're talking to customers, for example, you want to do that in such a way that you come away with a genuine understanding of what they want, and you grasp the difference between what you could do to make those customers feel better vs. what's critical to enabling those customers to be successful, and what's critical to Microsoft's growth. Using good data and analytical tools, you can invest in programs like improving the business or putting in a new information system with the confidence that you'll achieve the desired result in terms of incremental business value. For me, that's always measured in a ledger. Any benefit we talk about has to be quantified in a way that demonstrates increased shareholder value. " ...

Via Microsoft: Microsoft CIO Stuart Scott Outlines the Company's Commitment to People-Ready Business

Stuart Scott practices project portfolio management as CIO at GE. ...

Via CIO Magazine: Deciding Factors: "STUART SCOTT MAY BE the vice president and CIO of GE Industrial Systems, but he sees himself as a venture capitalist. "

Project Management Office PMO: Six Sigma Gate Process

Chiquita strengthens its leadership team. New CIO has background in project management offices PMO with Six Sigma process methods. ...

... "Singh came to Chiquita from Gillette in Singapore where he served as director, Asia Pacific business systems and regional chief information officer for four years. He combined three independent IT organizations into a single unit responsible for all Asia Pacific IT operations. In addition, he developed a regional project management office and drove the creation of a project development and approval process tailored to Asia Pacific needs and which incorporated Six Sigma concepts while also leading the regional SAP, JDE, and Fourth Shift enterprise resource planning teams. " ...

Via Chiquita Brands International: Chiquita Announces Organizational Changes To Facilitate Market Growth Opportunities ...

Executive Career Path: Six Sigma Manufacturing Manager

Ingersoll-Rand executive appointed. Has diverse career path that includes supply chain, information technology, and Six Sigma process improvement. ...

... "Gauld began his career in manufacturing with General Electric, where he moved though a variety of operations functions and applied his background in operations management to the development of more effective processes and systems. This focus led him to the role of manufacturing systems manager, in which he was responsible for driving Six Sigma initiatives and for implementing standardized systems across the business. He subsequently was promoted to chief information officer for GE's Electrical Distribution and Controls business. " ...

Via Ingersoll Rand: Ingersoll Rand Appoints William B. Gauld Senior Vice President, Enterprise Services ...

Six Sigma Key to Boardroom ...

Six Sigma professional joins company board of directors. ...

... "Dave is a business improvement consultant that specializes in the meeting and event industry. His company assists organizations in realizing top and bottom line growth by delivering customer focused solutions in business development, best practice and process improvement, strategic planning and training. Dave is certified in Lean Processes & DFSS for Six Sigma. " ...

Six Sigma Key to Boardroom: Via Passkey: Dave Lutz Named to Passkey Board of Directors ...

Passkey is the worldwide leader in online group hotel reservations. The Boston-based technology company offers event attendees, planners and providers with a powerful web-based on-Demand solutions that lets them make, monitor and manage their group hotel reservations Online.

Lean Kaizen: Team Drives Improvements ...

Kiesler Enterprises, a high-end custom cabinetry manufacturer, uses lean techniques to optimize performance for high growth and efficiency. ...

... "We also conducted Kaizens, short bursts of activity that result in significant improvements with the team. The Kaizen process helped redefine the relationship and interaction between sales and drafting. Both departments now combine resources and steps, said Joseph Murcko, project manager for the Arizona MEP. " ...

Via Yahoo: Custom Cabinetry Company Builds with Lean ...

The Arizona MEP is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The national MEP is a network of manufacturing extension centers that provide business and technical assistance to smaller manufacturers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through MEP, manufacturers have access to more than 2000 manufacturing and business coaches whose job is to help firms make changes that lead to greater productivity, increased profits, and enhanced global competitiveness.

Training Opportunity: Six Sigma Process ...

Funding grants are available for Six Sigma process improvement training ...

... "Business services and healthcare organizations are also encouraged to apply for funds to train employees in process improvement initiatives such as lean manufacturing, ISO and Six Sigma. Organizations in these industries can request up to $25,000 per application for training that can be completed in 12 months or less. " ...

Via Democrat & Chronicle: Business

Via ETA: Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao Announces $195 Million for President Bush's Competitiveness Agenda: "The goal of the WIRED initiative is to transform regional economies by enlisting the skills of the numerous and varied players in those economies to research and produce long-term strategic plans that prepare workers for high-skill, high-wage opportunities in the coming years and into the next decade. "

SAP Six Sigma Student Success

SAP and Six Sigma training seen as beneficial to student's success at Central Michigan University ...

... "Ensuring students' success also is a high priority for Holmes, who will begin pushing graduate students to become more acquainted with SAP business software and Six Sigma, a process of implementing qualities, tools and techniques with statistical analysis to make processes more efficient. " ...

Via Central Michigan Life: Holmes plans to expand business college programs

Cessna NetJets: Six Sigma Success Story ...

Cessna is recognized for their Six Sigma business process improvement success by NetJets, who benefits from increased up-time performance as measurd by manitenance days per jet operated. ...

... "Cessna Aircraft Company, a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has been recognized twice this year for cooperative efforts contributing to the overall success of NetJets Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. company and Cessna's largest customer. Cessna received the first-ever NetJets Annual Performance Award. The award was given for process improvements Cessna implemented in 2005 to decrease maintenance down-time on jets operated by NetJets Aviation Inc., a NetJets subsidiary. After applying Six Sigma lean improvement processes, NetJets Aviation's up-time was increased by 30 percent or a reduction of maintenance time by four days per jet operated. Cessna's Wichita, Kansas, business jet service center also received the second quarter 2006 Base Maintenance Award for large stations from NetJets. This award is given for helping reduce downtime for NetJets Aviation's fleet and for the dedication to quality exhibited by the Cessna employees who work on the aircraft. " ...

Via Textron: Cessna Receives NetJets Awards ...

Six Sigma Training Investment: Canada ...

Investment is made in local training to improve leadership skills, through Six Sigma. ...

... "The centre will include training in process-improvement disciplines such as Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. " ...

Via Canada Business Edge: NAIT program receives major cash boost

Business Process Improvement: Dell Six Sigma ...

Dell reengineers its Australian supply chain with its propriety method of Six Sigma for business process improvement. ...

... "Dell uses a re-engineering technique it calls BPI (Business Process Improvement), a combination of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. " ...

Via Ferret: Dell upgrades local supply chain

Project Portfolio Management: Six Sigma ...

SAP updates its project portfolio management software. It supports management of the Six Sigma project portfolio, enabling project selection at the Define gate of the DMAIC process and monitoring progress through the lifecycle. ...

... "The latest version of SAP xRPM offers new capabilities allowing companies to utilize a single application for portfolio management across different functional groups in the organization. Users are empowered to best prioritize resource allocation by scoring portfolio items based on aggregation of both qualitative and quantitative criteria, such as risk, feasibility and commercial value. SAP xRPM also provides new specialized templates and configurations that deliver support for operational groups including new product development, IT, enterprise asset management and Six Sigma. " ...

Via SAP: SAP Customers Execute Business Strategy with Solution for Portfolio Management

Quality Systems Leader: Lean Manufacturing Experience ...

ABB appoints quality systems leader ...

... "Quality Systems will continue its focus on developing data-driven and customer-focused capabilities that result in measurable improvements in product, process & supplier quality, customer support & responsiveness, and reliability science & technology, said Hepperla, in announcing the appointment. This is critical to our continued growth and business success. Beaudet most recently was director of Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement at Waukesha Engine/Dresser in Waukesha, WI. In this role, he was responsible for leading the implementation of Lean manufacturing and quality systems, and had direct responsibility for manufacturing engineering, product engineering and technical support functions. " ...

Via ABB Group: Beaudet named vice president, Quality Systems, ABB Automation Products, Low-Voltage Drives ...

Kaizen Streamlines Accounts Payable ...

The paper based business processes of accounts payable could benefit from kaizen streamlining. ...

... "Most manufacturers realize the benefits of applying good process automation, lean manufacturing, and performing Kaizen Events for their operations. The same principles, in fact, can be applied to perform firm-wide process improvements, starting with Accounts Payable (AP), where paper piles typically begin. " ...

Kaizen Streamlines Accounts Payable: Via ECM: Streamlining AP Through Effective Document Management

Lean Conference: Maintenance Focus ...

Upcoming conference focuses on lean in the maintenance business process ...

... "Reliable Plant magazine is pleased to present the 2nd annual Lean Tools for Maintenance and Reliability Conference, September 18-20, 2006 at the world-renowned Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel. " ...

Via Reliable Plant: World-class speakers highlight 2006 Lean Tools conference ...

Lean Management: Reliability Centered Maintenance Program at BART ...

Wyle Laboratories will support Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) in its maintenance improvement program for the mass transit system rolling assets. ...

... "Wyle will use its expertise in applying Versatile Asset Management System principles for equipment maintenance, including Reliability Centered Maintenance process improvement techniques, a leading standard that has been used in the aerospace industry for almost 30 years. We're excited to use our technical expertise to help the Bay Area protect such an important public investment and to help BART achieve its future capacity goals, said Kevin Balsan, Wyle's project manager. This contract win is part of Wyle's business objective to provide its Reliability Centered Maintenance and Lean capabilities to new markets.

Wyle employs a team of certified maintenance and reliability professionals skilled in the Versatile Asset Management System tools of Reliability Centered Maintenance, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, as well as other process improvement methods. That team works at Wyle's Jacksonville, Fla., location, where management and oversight of the analysis for the BART maintenance program will take place. LEAN and Reliability Centered Maintenance consultants from Wyle will also work on-site at BART's various San Francisco Bay Area locations. " ...

Lean Management: Reliability Centered Maintenance Program: Via Wyle Laboratories: Wyle Laboratories Awarded $6.9 Million Contract to Support BART Program

Huntsman SixSigma: Order-to-Cash Efficiency ...

... "SunGard announced that Huntsman Corporation has selected its AvantGard GETPAID Order-to-Cash solution to help improve efficiency and productivity in support of its Six Sigma initiatives. Huntsman, a global manufacturer of commodity chemicals, is integrating AvantGard GETPAID with its SAP enterprise system to help improve cash flow and reduce operating expenses. AvantGard GETPAID helps customers to improve control of financial performance and operational efficiency contributing to working capital optimization.

The Order-To-Cash process links key activities in the financial value chain, including credit analysis and approval, cash collections, dispute resolution, cash application, and financial analysis and reporting. Historically, these operations have been highly inefficient due to the lack of automated and integrated systems for Order-to-Cash management. Effective management of accounts receivable is a critical area to target for process improvements as it is a key driver of cash, cost containment and customer relationships. Business process optimization through quality initiatives such as Six Sigma can help revitalize companies and produce bottom-line results. Fine-tuning processes around the treatment of trade receivables helps yield ROI improvements as evidenced through lower DSO, reduced bad debt expense, interest expense savings and increased productivity. " ...

Huntsman SixSigma: Order-to-Cash Efficiency: Via SunGard: SunGard's AvantGard GETPAID to Help Huntsman Corporation to Manage Growth and Improve Operational Efficiency

MagnaChip Six Sigma Management System ...

Semicon manufacturer, MagnaChip, leverages Six Sigma management system to increase quality, lower costs, improve its reputation in the market. ...

... "Robert Krakauer, EVP of Strategic Operations and CFO of MagnaChip Semiconductor, said, During the quarter, we initiated a Six Sigma management system that is expected to result in improved product quality, substantial cost savings, and enhance our industry leading profile. This initiative specifically focuses on three areas within MagnaChip: Sales & marketing, Research & Development, and Production. Our Six Sigma initiatives will allow us to more effectively deliver industry-leading solutions to our consumer electronics and communications customers worldwide and place us on the same corporate development path as recognized global industry leaders. This program is not only limited to enhancing cost savings and quality but will be actively used to improve overall business management, innovation and execution. " ...

MagnaChip Six Sigma Management System: Via MagnaChip Semiconductor: MagnaChip Semiconductor Reports First Quarter Results ...



MagnaChip Semiconductor is a leading designer, developer and manufacturer of mixed-signal and digital multimedia semiconductors addressing the convergence of consumer electronics and communications devices. We focus on CMOS image sensors and flat panel display drivers, which are complex, high performance, mixed signal semiconductors that capture images and enable and enhance the features and capabilities of both small and large flat panel displays. MagnaChip also provides wafer foundry services utilizing CMOS high voltage, embedded memory, analog and power process technologies for the manufacture of IC's for customer-owned designs. MagnaChip has world-class manufacturing capabilities and an extensive portfolio of approximately 11,900 registered and pending patents. As a result, MagnaChip is a valued partner in providing leading technology solutions to its customers worldwide.

Six Sigma Overview: Industry Conference ...

Six Sigma overview planned at upcoming industry conference ...

... "Tony Martin, a Six Sigma Black Belt will facilitate an overview of Six Sigma. This session will discuss Six Sigma as a system of management; what is and is not new with Six Sigma and how to bring current ventures into a coherent management process. " ...

Six Sigma Overview: Industry Conference: Via Batesville Daily Guard: Business, industry conference slated ...

Kaizen Energy Efficiency Plan ...

Kaizen enables energy efficiency plan ...

... "This not only saves time, it also gives the energy plan instant credibility. As examples, Toyota uses its Kaizen-based continuous improvement process. " ...

Kaizen Energy Efficiency Plan: Energy Expert: A sound energy business plan: Via Plant Services ...

Six Sigma Corporate Scorecard ...

Corporate scorecard measures six sigma quality ...

... "The corresponding outcome measures—such as the percentage of business units that have achieved six sigma quality levels or the percentage of business units achieving their targets for retention of key customers—should appear on the corporate scorecard. " ...

Six Sigma Corporate Scorecard: Via CIO: Excerpt - Managing the Alignment Process - Reading Room ...

Lean Pharma Practitioner Recognized ...

Lean Pharma exec recognized as ASQ chapter president. ...

... "Mr. Chatterjee is Chief Operations Officer of Pharmatech Associates, a full service consultancy serving the regulated life-sciences industry, providing validation services and quality process project management. Pharmatech Associates has managed and successfully deployed Lean and Six Sigma projects for pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical devices/diagnostic customers. The pharmaceutical industry must show continued growth and sustain profits as it faces public pressure to control the skyrocketing costs of therapeutics, Mr. Chatterjee said. Our industry has to seek new ways to increase production and decrease time to market. The application of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodology, specifically adapted to the pharmaceutical industry, constitutes a unique way to improve business, drive down costs and speed time-to-market. Mr. Chatterjee is a certified ISO 9000 Lead Assessor and Six-Sigma Master Black Belt with extensive experience in the design and implementation of quality systems. Mr. Chatterjee holds a B.A. in Biochemistry and a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at San Diego. " ...

Lean Pharma Practitioner Recognized: Via PharmaTech Associates: Bikash Chatterjee Elected President of ASQ Golden Gate Chapter 2006-2007; Seminar: Applying Optimization Methodologies to the Process Industry ...

Lean Terms Defined ...

Definitions for key lean terms ...

... "Kaizen: Continuous improvement of the manufacturing process to create more value with less waste. " ...

Lean Terms Defined: Via courant: Lean Terms ...

Kaizen: Toyota Idea Bank ...

Toyota leverages kaizen process to fill its idea bank for implementation of continuous improvement opportunities. ...

... "Toyota also brought to the wider business world the concept of kaizen or continuous improvement, which puts a duty on every employee to contribute ideas on how the production process can be made better. " ...

Kaizen: Toyota Idea Bank: Via Times Online: Toyota powers to the front ...

SixSigma Business Process Integration ...

Pitney Bowes integrates Six Sigma business processes with mail flow. ...

... "Pitney Bowes Inc. announced that it has bundled its state-of-the-art technology and Six Sigma processes into a comprehensive offering called the Pitney Bowes Mailworks solution. Pitney Bowes Mailworks connects an organization's inbound and outbound mail flows with core business processes to help improve customer communication, lower costs and minimize the risk associated with the flow of mail, documents and packages into, within and out of businesses and government agencies. " ...

SixSigma Business Process Integration: Via Pitney Bowes: Pitney Bowes Meets Business Needs for Higher Value Mailstream Solutions With Pitney Bowes Mailworks ...

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 ...

Six Sigma: Innovation Methodology Needs Process ...

The process of innovation needs a methodology as disciplined as Six Sigma. ...

... "we point out that today the business world is standardizing on innovation methodologies that many people in an organization can learn and apply. Like Lean and Six Sigma, a set of reliable innovation tools is emerging, and eventually there will be one world-class way to consistently, reliably and perpetually innovate – just like today there are universally accepted ways to perpetually improve productivity (Lean) and quality (Six Sigma). " ...

Six Sigma: Innovation Methodology Needs Process: Via Breakthrough Management Group: Innovation Hoopla All Bark No Bite ...

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 ...

Lean Manufacturing: SPC Statistical Process Control Software ...

InfinityQS launches eSPC, hosted SPC application that uses a shared, secure database to enable supply chain quality control in a lean manufacturing program. ...

... "Companies can now collect and analyze data across the enterprise—not only at separate locations, said Ralph Rio, Research Director, ARC Advisory Group. When supply chain elements are analyzed and the results shared in real time, business performance increases with a positive impact on the balance sheet, P&L statement and shareholder value. Ralph continued, Many company's continuous improvement programs, like Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, are stalled. They need software solutions, like hosted SPC, to take their program to the next level. eSPC is fully customizable for even the most complex manufacturing environments, similar to InfinityQS' other products. Its extensive reporting capabilities allow for hundreds of customized charts and graphs, both at the plant level and the enterprise level. Its Web-based platform is always-on, allowing users to re-configure the system as often as required without interrupting performance. eSPC allows for robust system performance levels—large graphic components are downloaded to each on-site desktop client, eliminating the need for data to reload each time the displays are updated. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: SPC Statistical Process Control Software: Via InfinityQS: InfinityQS Launches eSPC: Industry Leading Statistical Process Control (SPC) Software Delivered Via the Web For Enterprise-Wide Visibility and Supply Chain Quality Management ...

Six Sigma Flowchart Software ...

BreezeTree Software releases FlowBreeze 1.0, a flowcharting software add-in for Microsoft Excel, which should be a useful product for flowcharting Six Sigma business processes. ...

... "The product marks the launch of the first in a series of flowcharting, process mapping and value stream mapping tools that BreezeTree Software will release in the coming year. The products will be targeted at professionals in the ISO 9000, Six Sigma, and Lean markets. " ...

Six Sigma Flowchart Software: Via BreezeTree: BreezeTree Software Announces the Release of FlowBreeze Flowcharting Software: BreezeTree Software Launches FlowBreeze 1.0, an Innovative Flowcharting Tool for Microsoft Office Users ...

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 Master Black Belt Position Available ...

Six Sigma leadership position is available. ...

... "Reporting to the Division Managing Director and working closely with local Business Managers, you will take a lead role in designing both strategy and individual implementation plans to achieve waste elimination. In order to accomplish measurable business process improvements you will personally lead and execute high impact Six Sigma and Lean projects and provide coaching, mentoring and training to Black Belts, Green Belts and Champions.Reporting to the Division Managing Director and working closely with local Business Managers, you will take a lead role in designing both strategy and individual implementation plans to achieve waste elimination. In order to accomplish measurable business process improvements you will personally lead and execute high impact Six Sigma and Lean projects and provide coaching, mentoring and training to Black Belts, Green Belts and Champions. " ...

Via jobs.telegraph.co.uk: Six Sigma Master Black Belt Position Available ...

Six Sigma Global Process Improvement ...

Evelyn A. Baldwin, 3M Electronics, explores global process improvement and acknowledges the Six Sigma process methodology. ...

... "That is one of the many reasons why I say, Thank goodness for process improvement tools such as six sigma and methods that help manage our business in this global environment. I strongly believe that these tools can help companies build value with customers. If customers are why we are here, making our operations work better is how we serve those customers. " ...

Six Sigma Global Process Improvement: Via Surface Mount Technology (SMT): Four Ways to Help Customers Improve Global Processes ...

Six Sigma Business Transformation Drives Improvement and Benefits ...

Six Sigma foundation supports Lex's business transformation which yields measureable process improvements and tangible financial benefits. ...

... "Key factors in Lex's success last year were the implementation of a business transformation programme called Six Sigma and a move to a new operational centre in Cheadle, near Stockport. Six Sigma helped generate a reported 11% improvement in customer service processes, and is credited with generating £4 million of benefits. " ...

Six Sigma Business Transformation Drives Improvement and Benefits: Via ITV Motoring: Lex Grows Again

Lean Manufacturing Survival Tactic ...

Amy Wu explores the collaboration underway in the tooling industry to address global competition ...

... "Another survival tactic is to go lean. Much of the local industry has adopted the popular lean manufacturing technique: eliminating waste from the production process to maximize efficiency. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Survival Tactic: Via Democrat & Chronicle: Business Outlook: Tooling, machining firms work together to gain contracts ...

Six Sigma at BPM Business Process Management Conference ...

Upcoming Gartner BPM Summit offers session on BPM business process management and Six Sigma ...

... "BPM Summit, Nashville, TN, 27-29 March 2006

BPM: The End-Game for Six Sigma, Speaker: Bruce Williams ... Six Sigma leaders and practitioners alike have long recognized the critical importance of the business process. Six Sigma is an exercise in mapping business processes, measuring process activity, defining process improvements, and implementing process controls. " ...

Six Sigma at BPM Business Process Management Conference: Session Description: BPM: The End-Game for Six Sigma ...

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 ... "

Lean Six Sigma Smart Ops 21 ...

Article explores the Air Force Smart Ops Lean Six Sigma program where asking why is critical to success. ...

... "Air Force Smart Operations 21, which encompasses the improvement tools of Lean, Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints, asks Airmen to consider and answer that very question. " ...

Lean Six Sigma Smart Ops 21: Via Hilltop Times: Why Smart Ops 21? ...

Air Force improving production with Smart Operations 21: "The program is based on both Lean and Six Sigma business process improvement tools. These tools were developed chiefly in the private sector to focus on increasing value to customers, save time and money, reduce waste and improve quality. A process is made lean by re-engineering it to eliminate steps that add no value to the end product or by combining process steps to save time. For instance, moving tools and supplies closer to a work area to reduce the number of footsteps workers must take to complete their jobs. "

Six Sigma: Army Transforms Business Process ...

The Army recognizes commands for leadership in improving business processes, through Lean Six Sigma. ...

... "For example, today's Gold Award recipient, the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Center, is one of the Army leaders in Lean Six Sigma and serves as a benchmark for other Army organizations to emulate. The APEA Program was established in 2004 to recognize organizational performance excellence. The ceremony Friday at the Pentagon recognized commands which have transformed their business processes since then. " ...

Six Sigma: Army Transforms Business Process: Via The United States Army: Command gets Gold for leading in Lean Six Sigma ...

SixSigma Service Levels: Customer Experience Measurement ...

Software enables measurement of the customer experience so that Six Sigma quality improvement can drive down defects through root cause elimination. ...

... "Wily Technology, the leader in Enterprise Application Management, announced the availability of Wily Customer Experience Manager (CEM) Version 3.0 featuring integration with Introscope, Wily's industry-leading application performance management solution. Wily CEM alerts IT staff and business teams to defective customer transactions or problem incidents in packaged or custom applications, including those from Siebel, SAP, Oracle and others whether they are built on Java, .NET, mainframe, or legacy technologies. The integration between Wily CEM and Introscope in this version allows data regarding the performance of customer transactions captured by Wily CEM to be analyzed with Introscope's application performance management tools, enabling faster problem resolution, higher transaction success rates and more consistent revenue streams.

Wily CEM enables both IT and business teams to manage online applications from the customer's point of view based on facts, not guesswork. Wily CEM continually monitors transactions 24x7 for any web-enabled application. The product tracks and reports key business metrics including customer and transaction success rates, transaction performance, transaction quality, and customer and transaction volume. Wily CEM also measures and analyzes customer activity at the business process level, creating a unique historical repository of customer information, reports, and scorecards. These metrics are essential to establish and measure performance against Service Level Agreements (SLAs) or quality initiatives such as ITIL and Six Sigma. " ...

SixSigma Service Levels: Customer Experience Measurement: Via Wily Technology: New Version of Wily Customer Experience Manager Features Integration with Introscope: Integrated Products Deliver Unmatched Insight Into Customer Experience and Web Application Performance ...

Kaizen Blitz: Improvement Technique ...

Business, everywhere, can benefit from continuous improvement. Products, processes, and people can improve quality. Fred Fishman, Manager Strategic Procurement Programs, explores the techniques of continuous improvement, such as recognizing the opportunity and seeking assistance. ...

... "Whether portrayed in a formula-rich analysis during a Six Sigma event, the rapid fire and instinctive physical changes implemented during a kaizen blitz, the reduction of muda (Japanese term for waste) in the lean journey, or the methodical development of a value stream map to visually identify value-added vs. non-value-added steps in a flow of work, each technique employs some variation of mathematical, statistical or visual analysis to achieve the desired result - improvement. " ...

Kaizen Blitz: Improvement Technique: Via Reliable Plant Magazine: The importance of Continuous Process Improvement ...