Department of Defense Lean Six Sigma Software Enabler

The U.S. military standardizes on Minitab statistical software to support its implementation of quality improvement methods using Lean Six Sigma. ...

... "Since the U.S. Army deployed Lean Six Sigma in 2005, nearly 2,000 personnel have been trained, more than 1,000 projects have been completed, and more than 1,600 remain active. The Army credits these projects with achieving nearly $2 billion in savings so far. The Department of the Navy has trained more than 5,000 sailors and Marines as Six Sigma green or black belts since 2006. The Navy estimates savings from its projects for 2006 and 2007 to be $450 million, a 4-to-1 return on investment. The U.S. Air Force has trained more than 500 Six Sigma belts, and its Air Logistics Centers received two Shingo Prizes for quality improvement last year. The Air Force has committed to a 40,000-manpower reduction without impairing its operational capabilities due in part to efficiencies gained from its initiatives. " ...

Via Minitab: Minitab quality improvement software

Six Sigma Energy Savings

Six Sigma projects focused on energy reduction deliver operational cost savings and reduces an enterprise's carbon footprint. ...

... "Project recommendations from a Six Sigma study demonstrated that the overall costs of using demineralized water could be cut significantly. The study points to detection and repair of faults associated with steam and water analysis systems, problem valves, vacuum pump overflow, and other issues. " ...

Via Science Daily: Save Energy

Huttig Lean Manufacturing Initiative

Huttig Building Products reports net loss of $9.8 million for the 2008 first quarter compared to a net loss of $3.4 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Net sales also declined by 25%, as the company adjusts its business strategy to seek efficiencies and conserve capital through lean methods. ...

... "Looking ahead, Huttig is implementing a LEAN manufacturing initiative to identify additional opportunities to improve production and operational efficiencies. The Company is also intensifying its efforts to sell slower moving inventory to free up capital and reduce debt. " ...

Via Huttig Building Products: First Quarter 2008 Results

Laboratory Six Sigma

Hospital laboratory uses Six Sigma to drive its efficiency initiative. Cycle times for testing are decreasing. ...

... "The lab is also using the principles of Six Sigma, a system meant to help companies eliminate defects that has been embraced by General Electric and other manufacturers. " ...

Via The StarPhoenix: Saskatoon Health Region

Lean Facility Design

New Atlanta manufacturing facility incorporates a lean design for streamlined workflow. ...

... "At 52,500 square feet, the site will accommodate solvent, water and paste manufacturing. The Lean Manufacturing design ensures an efficient workflow and maximized quality control. " ...

Via Graphics Art Online: Flint Group Invests $2 million in New Inks Facility

Global Competition through Lean Manufacturing

Small manufacturing firs turn to lean techniques to increase their global competitiveness. ...

... "Quabaug and Mar-Lee, which each compete against lower-cost areas like China, streamlined their methods of operation to become more efficient and handle changing customer needs. Their use of so-called lean manufacturing and innovation puts them on the forefront of next-generation manufacturing ... " ...

Via Worcester Telegram: Next Gen Manufacturing Competes Globally

Healthcare Delivery Uses Lean Manufacturing Techniques

Medical center stays relevant in its industry through leadership commitment and management techniques, such as lean manufacturing. ...

... "For about four years, ThedaCare has incorporated methods based on lean manufacturing or efficiency principles into its care delivery procedures. " ...

Via Oshkosh Northwestern: Medical Center

Six Sigma Military Efficiency is Financially Tangible

Six Sigma project targets military travel and reduces the processing cycle time. ...

... "Nguyen and Atkison-Clark said the plan to decrease travel voucher paperwork was initiated under the Lean Six Sigma program to improve fiscal military efficiency. " ...

Via Leavenworth Lamp: Travel Streamlined

Lean SixSigma Military Career Path

Military commander brings Lean Six Sigma background to new assignment. ...

... "While serving as the wing maintenance officer, he developed and implemented the Consolidated Maintenance Organization (CMO) Pilot Demonstration, consolidating all squadron, maintenance and squadron aircraft under CPRW-11 while implementing Lean/Six Sigma practices within Wing Organizational Level Aircraft Maintenance. " ...

Via Dowagiac Daily News: Commander

S&OP Smooths Out Lean

The case is made for pairing sales and operations planning, or S&OP, with lean manufacturing processes, such that efficient process can respond quickly and flexibly to dynamic demand in the supply chain. ...

... "They want exactly what they ordered and they want it now. Thus these producers need the very best process they can get to identify shifts in demand quickly and to realign production volumes with those shifts. " ...

Via Supply Chain Digest: S&OP and Lean Manufacturing

Aerospace Lean Six Sigma

Aerospace company satisfies its customers' expectations using a foundation of Lean Six Sigma to enable it to deliver. ...

... "Rouleau has also implemented the Lean Six Sigma system, which in the business world means the company looks to improve efficiency, reduce cost and improve customer relations. " ...

Via Hudson Star-Observer: Airworthy Aerospace

Six Sigma Reward System Scales With Benefits

Fort Leavenworth responds to Six Sigma adoption barriers with a scalable reward system. ...

... "So, the Garrison's Lean Six Sigma Tiger Team formulated a reward system for civilian, military and contract employees. The reward corresponds with the success of the idea. " ...

Via Leavenworth Lamp: Incentives

Six Sigma Differentiation for Bank

Kenneth Lewis, Bank of America CEO, uses Six Sigma methodology to drive efficiencies and improve customer service. ...

... "He stepped up an unorthodox plan to implement the Six Sigma methodology that manufacturers use to minimize errors. Over his tenure, Bank of America's annual revenue has more than doubled to more than $74 billion. " ...

Via Wall Street Journal: Bank CEO Perspectives

Travel Management Efficiency Through Six Sigma

Travel manager uses Six Sigma to drive efficiencies in the travel management process and reduce overall travel costs. ...

... "Using the Six Sigma analytical process, Kelliher determined that these cancellations and exchanges were significantly bulking up Dominion's air costs. " ...

Via Business Travel News: 2007 Travel Manager Of The Year

Lean Minimizes Capital for Automation

Lean principles are discussed to maximize the efficiency of complex manufacturing processes. ...

... "Lean techniques are also worthy of investigation because they eliminate large capital outlays for dedicated machinery until automation becomes absolutely necessary. " ...

Via Electronics Supply & Manufacturing: Principles of lean manufacturing

Healthcare Cost Efficiency Using Lean Six Sigma

Hospitals see Lean methods as answer to rising costs. ...

... "We have a process called Lean Six Sigma, she said. Basically we look at hospital processes to see where we can improve quality by becoming more efficient. " ...

Via Cumberland Times: Hospital Costs

Boeing Dreamliner Lean Process

Boeing San Antonio will support the Dreamliner after launch with modification. ...

... "We've become successful in eliminating waste through lean manufacturing processes, she says. We've implemented a lot of procedures to make it efficient or cost-efficient (to keep planes operational). " ...

Via San Antonio Business Journal: Boeing Dreamliner

SixSigma Political Platform For Government Efficiency

Prospective government leaders see sustaining Six Sigma as part of their platform. ...

... "He said he would continue business practices started by Richard, including Six Sigma, and will be able to help the many city departments run efficiently. " ...

Via Fort Wayne Indiana Journal Gazette: City Politics

Value Engineering Award to Northrop Grumman For Lean Principles

Northrop Grumman is selected by U.S. Department of Defense to receive its Value Engineering Achievement award for innovative productivity improvements, that leverage the principles of Lean Six Sigma. ...

... "Value Engineering, developed in the 1940s at General Electric Co., is a systematic process widely used in government and industry to identify actions that improve performance, reliability, quality, safety and life cycle costs. The Defense Department said a total of 3,473 government and contractor-initiated proposals were accepted during fiscal year 2006 with projected savings/cost avoidance in excess of $1.6 billion. Northrop Grumman was nominated for its Value Engineering Achievement award by the Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA), which cited the implementation of Six Sigma and Lean principles at the company's Integrated Systems sector. According to the DCMA nomination, Northrop Grumman's implementation of these initiatives has been increasingly reducing costs, improving quality, enhancing effectiveness and increasing efficiency throughout the enterprise and on Defense Department weapon system acquisition contracts and services. The 2006 Defense Department Value Engineering awards will be presented May 16, 2007 at the Pentagon. " ...

Via Northrop Grumman: Northrop Grumman to Receive U.S. Department of Defense Value Engineering Award for Improving Productivity