General Dynamics Lean Six Sigma Training Consulting Support

General Dynamics Information Technology receives multi-million dollar, multi-year contract to support the Lean Six Sigma efforts of the U.S. Army Medical Command and the Office of the Surgeon General. ...

... "General Dynamics will support the Army MEDCOM Lean Six Sigma Concepts and Methodologies program by providing instruction and consulting services to internal organizations for MEDCOM’s Director of Strategy and Innovation. " ...

Via General Dynamics Information Technology: U.S. Army Medical Command Lean Six Sigma

The Office of the Surgeon General has successfully deployed Lean Six Sigma to improve cycle time of business processes. ...

Lean Six Sigma Analysis Streamlines Process: "In the end, the in-processing became virtual. New employees login and virtually check in to various in-processing work stations. "

The Army has embraced lean in its culture and has created positions of leadership to transform its business. ...

DENCOM Leadership: "The DENCOM has embraced the Lean Six Sigma business case analysis protocol, creating a new Director of Business Transformation position on the DENCOM staff, to evaluate internal business practices and increase efficiency of DENCOM strategic and operational initiatives. "

Lean Six Sigma Integrates Solutions for Sustainability Improvement

IBM builds partnerships to solve sustainability problems with an integrated set of cross-industry solutions, that leverage Lean Six Sigma principles for improvement. ...

... "Green Sigma is an IBM solution that applies Lean Six Sigma principles and practices to energy, water, waste and GHG emissions throughout a company's operations -- transportation systems, data centers and IT systems, manufacturing and distribution centers, office facilities, retail space, research and development sites, etc. It combines real-time metering and monitoring with advanced analytics and dashboards that allow clients to make better decisions that improve efficiency, lower costs and reduce environmental impact. " ...

Via IBM: Green Sigma Coalition

Navy Six Sigma Program

Local leader will deploy Lean Six Sigma to improve the Navy's processes in talent recruiting. ...

... "Ivan D. Bradley has been assigned as the first Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Team Lead for Millington to improve efficiencies and eliminate waste in processes. The Navy Recruiting Command launched the Lean Six Sigma initiative earlier this year. " ...

Via NWTN Today: United States Navy

ADC Lean Six Sigma Philosophy Drives Savings

ADC sees improved revenue, margins, and free cash flow. Operating expenses are being reduced through Lean Six Sigma efforts. And, the company is shoring up its balance sheet with free cash flow. ...

... "During the quarter, ADC realized approximately $13 million in cost savings as a result of the restructuring and other actions announced in October 2008 and February 2009. These savings impacted both cost of goods sold and operating expenses. Through the implementation of LEAN and Six Sigma methodologies, ADC is driving a continuous improvement, cost-reduction philosophy throughout the company. The cost reduction and restructuring actions taken over the prior two quarters had a substantive positive impact on our financial results and contributed to our free cash flow generation during the current quarter, said James G. Mathews, ADC's chief financial officer. " ...

Via ADC: Second Quarter 2009 Financial Results

ADC was recently hiring to fill Lean Black Belt positions at its sites globally. ...

LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt at ADC via RochesterWorks: "LEAN Six Sigma Black Belt LOCATION: Eden Prairie, MN ... "

ADC designs its products using Six Sigma methods. ...

ADC Endface Geometry for Optical Connectors (PDF): "ADC developed the polishing process for the singlemode connector utilizing Six Sigma techniques. The results from this study permitted ADC to achieve excellent process capability for the three main endface geometry attributes. "

The market requires ADC services to perform to Six Sigma levels. ...

ADC Six Sigma Performance Levels (PDF): "ADC’s products and services provide our customers with the confidence that the new IPbased services will be delivered on a carrier-class packet infrastructure, where six-sigma levels of reliability are required. For example, video is a key component of these new networks. "

Ingersoll-Rand Lean Six Sigma Operational Excellence

Ingersoll-Rand has been challenged by the economic downturn with exposure to the construction market and the need to service a higher debt load related to acquisitions. Yet, the company is positioned in the HVAC market for infrastructure investments and has expanded geographically into Asian markets, where growth is expected. ...

... "IR has been using Lean Six Sigma for years, and will continue to rely on it to achieve operational excellence, which reflects IR's clear and constant awareness of efficiency and cost. " ...

Via Seeking Alpha: Ingersoll-Rand Excellence

Operational excellence is a key lever for the company in 2009. ...

Ingersoll Rand via Reuters: "We are realizing the synergies from the recent acquisition of Trane and from our initiatives in purchasing and Lean Six Sigma, which will produce even greater benefits in 2009. "

The company has invested in training programs. ...

Ingersoll Rand Lean Six Sigma Training Series.

IR has expanded its lean methods globally. ...

China Lean: "Ms. Zhang Dong is currently the Lean six sigma manager of Ingersoll Rand Industrial Technology Air Solutions, Asia Pacific. She has more than 14 years working experience in Engineering, Operations, Marketing and Service. "

Ingersoll Rand employees have had successful careers in industry, helping manufacturers become successful with Lean Six Sigma. ...

Mark Beffel Bio via APICS: "Mark has over 35 years experience in Manufacturing, Engineering, and Operations management with John Deere, Pentair, Lozier, Ingersoll Rand and Manitowoc. "

IR leaders are published in the field. ...

Leaning Into Six Sigma Book by Barbara Wheat via Barnes & Noble: "Barbara Wheat is the Director of Six Sigma for Ingersoll-Rand Tool and Hoist Division, where she brings the tools and techniques of both Lean Enterprise and Six Sigma together to institutionalize a world-class system of continuous improvement. "

Dr. Pepper Snapple Lean Six Sigma through Productivity Office

President and CEO Larry Young discusses the company's performance and the impact achieved from Lean Six Sigma at the Dr. Pepper Snapple Group. ...

... "Our productivity office and Lean Six Sigma initiatives are providing the funding and process to implement ongoing efficiency programs, and new packaging technology is allowing us to get more out of the same assets. " ...

Via Seeking Alpha: Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Earnings Call

Rapid Six Sigma Goes Green

Local mill uses Lean Six Sigma to generate benefits from recycling. ...

... "Hopefully, our recycling project will generate interest and enthusiasm among our employees that will carry over into their waste disposal habits at home, concluded Curtis. A Rapid Lean Six Sigma team was formed to develop the Luke mill’s recycling program. " ...

Via Mineral Daily News-Tribune: Luke mill program

ITT Lean Six Sigma Strong Cash Management

ITT discusses its quarterly performance and notes lean Six Sigma contributions to cash management and improving inventory turns. ...

... "So we’re pleased with our working capital management actions in the quarter. Working capital as a percent of sales improved 190 basis points to 13.2%. Dedicated teams at all three segments continue to drive value based lean six sigma initiatives that generated inventory turn improvement. " ...

Via Seeking Alpha: ITT Corporation Earnings Call

ITT Corporation Quarter Report: "First quarter revenue was $2.6 billion, down nine percent compared to the first quarter of 2008, and down five percent excluding the impact of foreign exchange, acquisitions and divestitures on a comparable basis. Year-to-date free cash flow generation exceeded $165 million, representing a 128 percent conversion of income from continuing operations, excluding non-cash tax adjustments. "

Intricon Lean Six Sigma Efficiency Program

IntriCon Corporation reports its quarterly results which have eroded due to the challenging business cycle. The company is committed to leveraging lean manufacturing and Six Sigma to drive efficiencies and improve margins. ...

... "Company wide, 2009 first-quarter gross margins were 17.8 percent, compared to 23.2 percent in the year-ago quarter. The decline was primarily due to lower sales levels combined with a lower-margin product mix. While medical sales carry a higher margin, increases were not enough to offset lower volumes in other businesses. To improve efficiency, IntriCon continues to introduce Six Sigma lean manufacturing methods across its business - successfully rolling it out in various medical and hearing health product lines. " ...

Via Intricon: Quarterly Results

Xerox Lean Six Sigma Print Services

Procter & Gamble will use Xerox to manage its global print operations under a five year services contract that will reduce operating costs by nearly 25 percent. ...

... "Using Lean Six Sigma-based methodologies, Xerox Global Services will deliver an enterprise-wide strategy, expected to free up hundreds of minutes of employee time annually. Xerox will provide on-site training to help P&G's employees manage the new print environment, including tips on how to reduce the time spent on print-related activities. Xerox's change management program focuses on how best to support the staff during the transition in order to minimize disruptions. " ...

Via Xerox: Procter & Gamble Worldwide Print Operations Management

Lean Six Sigma for War Fighters

Cardinal Health Lean Value Stream

Cardinal Health introduces new products and services that will improve patient safety and operational efficiency in hospital operating rooms, including lean six sigma consulting services for customers. ...

... "The new Value Stream Mapping service uses Lean Six Sigma methodology to help guide hospitals toward increased efficiency by identifying bottle necks within their current processes, material and information flows. Through collaborative communication and systematic evaluation, hospitals can visualize and analyze areas with costly waste and delays, and create blueprints for process improvements using additional Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques. Cardinal Health helps facilitate these process improvements leading to reduced costs, streamlined workflows, diminished cycle times, increased revenue streams and improved patient and employee satisfaction. " ...

Via Cardinal Health: The Operating Room

Supply Side Lean

Halliburton has applied Lean Six Sigma throughout its value chain extending into the supply-side, in order to create a more adaptive and dynamic response to demand changes. ...

... "This then begins to present challenges for suppliers, which often are no longer capable of keeping up with the ever-increasing demands and expectations for speed and responsiveness. To meet this challenge, Halliburton began engaging its suppliers in Lean Six Sigma strategies ... " ...

Via Purchasing: Halliburton Lean Six Sigma

Louisiana-Pacific Lean Six Sigma

Louisiana-Pacific sees success from its Lean Six Sigma teams, with stellar returns. ...

... "Worth mentioning as well was the continued contribution of our lean six sigma teams which achieved for the year over five to one returns against a goal of three to one returns. " ...

Via Seeking Alpha: Louisiana-Pacific Q4 2008

Clariant Lean Six Sigma Excellence

Clariant confronts its decline in demand and profitability with a program based on Lean and Six Sigma methods to drive margin improvements. ...

... "former Hoechst man Kottmann, who took up the reins four months ago, highlighted further cost saving efforts to be initiated under the Clariant Excellence banner. This will focus on a Lean Sigma regime, a combination, he explained, of Six Sigma statistical process control and Japanese influenced lean manufacturing techniques. " ...

Via Plastics and Rubber Weekly: Clariant Efficiency Program

Lean Six Sigma Work Flow Improves Operational Efficiency

GE brings Lean Six Sigma methods to create efficiencies in the healthcare process. Mt Sinai will leverage improved processes and systems to deliver a dynamic response to problems. ...

... "In the early phase of the agreement, GE Healthcare experts in Lean Six Sigma process management will work with Mount Sinai staff and GE Healthcare’s AgileTracTM automated workflow and visualization system to track and optimize the most important patient care pathways. This phase will enable hospital staff and administration to observe their clinical pathways and allow the hospital to visualize problems and develop real time solutions. Together, Mount Sinai and GE will gather real-time data on clinical workflow patterns throughout the 1,171-bed, 2.7 million square foot tertiary-care hospital to highlight process bottlenecks and showcase areas of improvement. The goal is to streamline patient flow, improve operational efficiency, and decrease patients length of stay by decreasing wait times and freeing up capacity that has been, until this project, untapped. " ...

Via General Electric: Patient Flow and Asset Management

Manufacturer Uses Downtime to Retool with Lean Six Sigma

When production assets are idle at Mercury Marine, the workforce can accelerate improvements using Lean Six Sigma methods. ...

... "He said salaried staff may use some of the time (during an hourly work force layoff) to concentrate on other aspects of operations such as Lean Six Sigma, safety, ergonomics and environmental issues. " ...

Via Fond du Lac Reporter: Mercury Marine

Ecolab Lean Six Sigma Leadership

Ecolab is recognized with Lean Six Sigma award for its deployment work. ...

... "Ecolab created significant momentum and sustainability in our Lean Six Sigma deployment, said Jeff Burt, Vice President & Global Deployment Leader for Lean Six Sigma at Ecolab. Extensive upfront planning, combined with a high level of executive engagement has created a successful launch of our LSS program. It has also created strong leadership and talent development opportunities for our associates, as well as a culture that continues to support our efforts to streamline operations while maintaining a strong customer focus. " ...

Via Ecolab: Lean Six Sigma Award for Successful Deployment Efforts

Xerox Lean Six Sigma Session

Upcoming webinar showcases Xerox success story in Finance. ...

... "Thursday, Jan 29 from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. ET, Xerox’s Sue Moore, vice president, Business Alignment & Results in Xerox Lean Six Sigma, will share success factors on how a company’s Finance department can embrace Lean Six Sigma methodologies ... " ...

Via WhatTheyThink: Lean Six Sigma Webinar

Lean Six Sigma Alternative to Outsourcing Contracts

Lean Six Sigma streamlining was proposed as an alternative to major outsourcing contract to stem loss of civilian defense jobs. ...

... "At least two officials sought to use alternative approaches to achieve efficiencies -- such as Lean Six Sigma, in which operations are inspected and redesigned to be leaner and quicker and staffs are redeployed to be better utilized -- but their efforts were rejected. " ...

Via FederalTimes: DoD outsourcing

Lean Six Sigma Series Starts

Upcoming seminar will lead to certificate in Lean Six Sigma. ...

... "This session will give participants an overview of the upcoming certificate series beginning Jan. 23, which will cover Lean Six Sigma, the evolutionary business process that effectively eliminates waste and improves practices with validation through statistical analysis. " ...

Via Green Bay Press-Gazette: Business agenda

Lean Six Sigma Integration

Paper industry stalwart adopts Lean and Six Sigma to transform its performance as it navigates challenging business conditions. ...

... "As part of its integration, NewPage announced in January it would adopt Lean Six Sigma manufacturing techniques, designed to incorporate both efficiency and quality." ...

Via Wausau Daily Herald: Company Change in Paper Industry

Logistics Lean Supply Chain Collaboration

Transplace CEO discusses the third party logistics space and touches on how collaboration through lean and Six Sigma can add value to supply chain participants. ...

... "we have done of a lot of joint Lean-Six Sigma projects with our customers, primarily on the Lean side. We are looking at processes involved in transportation management and identifying where there are steps in those processes that just don’t add any value and can be eliminating them. " ...

Via Logistics Management: Transplace 3PL

PPG Lean Six Sigma for Shops

PPG collaborates with their retail channel to spread Lean Six Sigma methodology through the value chain. ...

... "Doering himself completed PPG’s Lean Six Sigma program for shop owners. The new facility was designed with the intent to reduce the shop’s impact on the environment. " ...

Via Canadian Underwriter: Collision Centre

Federal Six Sigma Redesign

Federal agencies look to lean, Six Sigma, and strategic sourcing to introduce operational efficiency into government operations. ...

... "For instance, some federal agencies have adopted Lean Six Sigma practices, which call for redesigning the way a job gets done by removing wasteful and duplicative steps. " ...

Via Federal Times: Competitive sourcing

Six Sigma Portfolio Management

Buhler AG will monitor the execution of its Lean Six Sigma program in a key division using Instantis' project portfolio management software, EnterpriseTrack. ...

... "EnterpriseTrack was selected by Buhler AG to manage and track the execution of its Lean Six Sigma program in its Engineered Products Division across all business functions. With corporate headquarters in Uzwil, Switzerland, and a presence in 40 countries around the globe, Buhler is a technology group and global market leader in food processing, chemical process engineering, and die casting. Buhler's objective is to improve its customers' performance and competitiveness by applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies and tools to its customer-facing business processes. " ...

Via Instantis: EnterpriseTrack for Lean Six Sigma Project Portfolio Management

Quest Diagnostics Lean Six Sigma

Quest Diagnostics discusses its operational efficiency program, which includes leveraging Lean Six Sigma in the company's operations. ...

... "That program, which we expect to reduce our cost structure by $500 million is on track, and we expect to have delivered over $300 million in annualized savings as we exit this year, with the balance in 2009. Last quarter, I outlined the major elements for our program which include using Lean Six Sigma to increase productivity in our labs. " ...

Via Seeking Alpha: Quest Diagnostics Q3 Conference Call

Letterkenny Lean Leads to Shingo

Letterkenny Army Depot leverages lean manufacturing methods to reduce labor expenses, minimize space requirements, and improve cycle times. These achievements have been recognized with another Shingo award. ...

... "By using lean manufacturing and other methods, the BIDS line saved $1 million annually in manpower, reduced floor space by 32,000 square feet and reduced repair time to 20 days from 30 days ... " ...

Via Chambersburg Public Opinion: Depot wins

Sticky Lean Six Sigma

Lean Supply Chain Presentation

Local presentation will explore the use of lean principles and Six Sigma discipline in the supply chain to drive improvements that increase customer service and improve efficiencies. ...

... "Robert Burke will present Lean Six Sigma in the Supply Chain, a program on how to use supply chain management, lean manufacturing, and six sigma methodologies to deliver superior customer service. " ...

Via Nashuatelegraph: Business Calendar

Six Sigma Streamlines

Eliminate waste and increase efficiency to enable investment in your future. ...

... "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 CNYBJ: Lean Six Sigma Results

Lean Six Sigma Program Management at Gulfstream

Gulfstream Aerospace appoints Charles Wood as program manager for its Lean Six Sigma initiatives. ...

... "As such, he is responsible for developing and implementing the Lean Six Sigma program throughout Gulfstream and General Dynamics Aviation Services facilities. Wood is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. He earned a bachelor's degree in computer science from Gordon College in Wenham, Mass., and a master’s degree in business administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, N.Y. Wood reports to Max Mills, director, Corporate Quality and Product Safety. " ...

Via Gulfstream Aerospace: LEAN SIX SIGMA PROGRAM MANAGER

Alliant Energy Lean Six Sigma Improve Productivity and Control Costs

Alliant reports respectable quarterly earnings which are bolstered by Lean Six Sigma efforts that are making the company more productive and helping it to manage costs more effectively. ...

... "The modest decrease at the utilities is primarily due to the impacts of the June 2008 Midwest flooding, which are partially offset by the recent settlement with the IRS on U.S. federal income tax audits of prior years and the benefits of our lean six sigma activities on improving productivity and controlling utility operating costs. " ...

Via Alliant Energy: Quarterly Earnings Report PDF

Lean Six Sigma During Economic Downturns

BMG webinar series will focus on the challenges confronting us with solutions leveraging Lean and Six Sigma methods. Webinars start August 6th. ...

... "How do you remain competitive and profitable during an economic downturn? Don't make the mistake of downsizing your process improvement initiative or letting it take a back seat to more pressing concerns. " ...

Via Breakthrough Management Group: Online Webinar Series

Lean Six Sigma Improves Processes

Process improvement through Lean and Six Sigma is discussed. ...

... "The overriding principle that drives the lean system is that in order to reduce waste you need to develop systems that do not produce waste. " ...

Via Minneapolis-St Paul Star Tribune: Ask an outside consultant

Lean SixSigma Workload Capacity Expansion

Military arsenal changes command. Outgoing commander is recognized for his efficiency programs, based on lean Six Sigma methods. ...

... "During Kevin's command, the Watervliet Arsenal made great strides with its Lean Six Sigma program, he said. The program played a major role in keeping production on schedule despite an increased workload and challenging product mission. " ...

Via Troy Record: Change

Lean Process Orientation

General transitions his leadership experience and lean process focus into the field of sports. ...

... "When Johnson talked, it was all process. The phrase he uttered more than any other was Lean Six Sigma. " ...

Via ESPN: The General

DOD Lean Six Sigma Improvement Initiative

Departmet of Defense embraces Lean Six Sigma in a broad initiative aimed at efficiency. ...

... "In a departmentwide directive issued May 15, England instructed all components to use Lean Six Sigma to improve productivity, mission performance, safety, flexibility and energy efficiency. " ...

Via FCW: DOD on Lean Six Sigma

Lean Six Sigma Project Challenges

Six Sigma discipline takes time to adopt and perfect. A more holistic approach to process improvement may be needed to position Six Sigma and lean properly. ...

... "There is rising concern across multiple industry sectors regarding the failure of many internally led 6s / lean projects, so much so that we must explore why so many initiatives do not reach their desired results ... " ...

Via Supply and Demand Chain: What Went Wrong?

Manage Constraints for Improvements

Constraints management looks for opportunities to increase or remove capacity constraints and for policy constraints where business rules hand-cuff the workforce from running the business successfully. ...

... "Constraints management looks at the business as chains of dependent events and focuses improvement efforts on the weak links in the chains. On the face of it, the inclusion of yet another sophisticated business process might seem to lead to excessive complexity. " ...

Via Supply Chain Management Review: Constraints Management Enhances Lean and Six Sigma

Cycle Time Improves with Lean Six Sigma

Army trims cycle times and eliminates defects with Lean Six Sigma projects. ...

... "Those delays became one of the first targets of a Lean Six Sigma project under Lt. Gen. Michael Rochelle, Army deputy chief of staff for personnel. " ...

Via FCW: Army uses Lean

Lean Six Sigma Training

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

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

Via American Statistical Association: New Web-based Training Program

Nordam Group Lean Six Sigma Journey

Nordam Group continues its journey applying Lean Six Sigma by levarging its talent. ...

... "In the last two years, NORDAM has introduced Six Sigma and LEAN principles throughout its businesses to maximize efficiency in manufacturing and repair processes. Since, 13 stakeholders have successfully completed training projects and are now certified Six Sigma black belts. The team of expert problem solvers and process improvement leaders have completed or initiated 50 Six Sigma and LEAN programs companywide. Gardner is the second full-time black belt at NORDAM Transparency. " ...

Via Nordam Group: Six Sigma Coordination Role

Process Mapping in Lean Six Sigma

Lean SixSigma Medical Manufacturing

Apriso will discus lean case study on April 17 event. ...

... "Apriso's Industry Director for Life Sciences, Rick Gallisa, will demonstrate how software can be an enabler to implementing sustainable Lean/Six Sigma programs including e-Kanban across highly complex manufacturing environments found within the Medical Device industry. Apriso FlexNet provides complete visibility, traceability and control over manufacturing operations, providing a foundation to implement cost effective compliance within Lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives. " ...

Via Apriso: Lean and Six Sigma Event for Medical Device Manufacturers

Breyfogle on Beyond Lean Six Sigma

Interesting event queued next week on Lean Six Sigma ...

... "Forrest W. Breyfogle III, will speak at Century College in White Bear Lake on Tuesday, April 15, on why businesses should go beyond Lean Six Sigma and the Balanced Scorecard. " ...

Via Hutchinson Leader: Century College Event

Historical Perspective on Process Improvement

Standard Register's history shows early focus on process improvement to achieve worker productivity. ...

... "During the war a group of industrial engineers had developed a technique they called Work Simplification. Essentially it was a formula by which any production worker could arrive at improvements on his own job or show others how to improve their jobs. " ...

Via Standard Register: Tradition of innovation in business

Program Applies Lean Six Sigma Smart Operations to Guard

Air Force Smart Operations, based on Lean Six Sigma methodology, is poised to streamline the Air National Guard. Teams are used to brainstorm and generate prioritized list of actions that could have significant impact on operations. And, the force is becoming familiar with the forms of waste that should be avoided or eliminated. Business processes are being redesigned for efficiency and effectiveness. ...

... "The program unites successful methods from the corporate world, including Lean and Six Sigma. Airmen apply it through rapid improvement events in administrative and logistical shops or anywhere processes need improvement. The Air Guard is on pace with other Air Force major commands in applying Smart Operations, Asbell said. " ...

Via The National Guard: Streamed, leaned Air Guard

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

Lean Six Sigma Measurement Drives Improvements

Lean Six Sigma uses measurement systems to drive tangible results. Are the intangibles ignored by these methodologies? The numbers should be a guid, but common sense must rule. ...

... "When companies start paying attention to these things they can realize a huge improvement in productivity and profitability. And recent research tells us that efforts like Lean Six Sigma are certainly needed. " ...

Via Management Issues: Low-carb Lean Six Sigma?

Villanova Six Sigma Program Expands

Villanova U extends its online Six Sigma programs to expand their reach across the professional ranks. ...

... "Villanova has specially designed four Six Sigma programs -- three that reveal how the methodology can be applied in healthcare, financial services and information technology, plus a general program with examples and case studies from a number of other industries. Each master certificate program features a panel of seasoned experts who guide participants through a specialized Green Belt course as well as Lean Six Sigma and Black Belt courses. " ...

Via University Alliance: Online Six Sigma Program

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 Certification Classes

University of Arkansas Fort Smith Campus offers course that supports the achievement of Lean Six Sigma certification. The course balanced classroom instruction with web-based learning. ...

... "Using the Web-enhanced delivery format of UA Fort Smith's Lean Six Sigma course, Clay said, would allow companies of all types and sizes to make the best use of classroom time, reduce training costs and improve student retention of Six Sigma concepts. " ...

Via UA Fort Smith: UA Fort Smith News,

LeanSix Sigma Improves Processes

Military uses lean six sigma to decrease the cycle time for maintenance and repair of its assets. The facilities and business processes are designed and refined to increase the flow and throughput of the work. ...

... "Many officials credit AirSpeed - formerly Lean Six Sigma - with helping improve processes, from assessing what work is needed to ordering spare parts to scheduling final flight testing to changing bad habits. " ...

Via Marine Corps Times: Aircraft repair centers

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

Six Sigma Champion

Lean and Six Sigma implementations and the benefits are discussed. ...

Lean Six Sigma Discussed

Lean sigma techniques discussed, including control charts. ...

Quality Award for Army Center

Army engineering center is recognized for its Lean Six Sigma achievements with a Malcolm Baldrige Award. ...

... "Rowland said ARDEC had competed in the President's Quality Award process and used that as an incentive for implementing management programs like Total Quality Management and Lean Six Sigma. Donelle Denery, who manages ARDEC's performance excellence programs, said the agency was able to promote new management programs by getting almost total participation from managers. " ...

Via Government Executive: Army Quality

Via ARDEC: Malcolm Baldrige Award: "The Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center here today became the first Department of Defense organization in history selected to receive the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. President George W. Bush and Secretary of Commerce Carlos M. Gutierrez announced ARDEC's selection this morning in a joint news release. "

Lean SixSigma Healthcare Efficiency

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

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

Via Democrat & Chronicle: Medical Costs

Leansigma Customer Focus

Lean and Six Sigma hybrid methods are synthesized to differentiate in the eyes of the customer. Global consulting firm provides training in these methods. ...

... "head of the $53-million turnover firm said he provided advice to manufacturing and service companies on LeanSigma -- a hybrid of lean manufacturing principles and six sigma principles. " ...

Via Sify: Listen to customer

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

Navy Lean Six Sigma Lowers Backorders

Navy leader shares his perspective on the benefits of lean. ...

... "Asked about his support for Lean Six Sigma, Roesner said the practice of continuous process improvement has helped lower backorders at NAVICP to their lowest point ever because we took out the unnecessary work. " ...

Via Battle Creek Enquirer: Federal Presentation

Lean Six Sigma Life Sciences Conference

Developing and Deploying Lean Six Sigma Practices in the Life Sciences Industry conference is scheduled for December 3-5, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency at Penn's Landing in Philadelphia, PA. ...

... "The conference will feature a keynote address on DuPont's Six Sigma Deployment-Experiences and Recommended Practices from a Fortune 100 Company by Steven P. Bailey, Ph.D., Principal Consultant, DuPont Engineering and Research Technology on Tuesday, December 4th at 1 PM. Another keynote on Project Selection - the Achilles Heel of Lean Six Sigma by Ronald D. Snee, Ph.D., Principal and Lean Six Sigma Initiative Leader, Tunnell Consulting, will commence on Monday, December 3rd at 1:30 PM. Both Dr. Bailey and Dr. Snee are respected thought leaders and authors in the area of Lean Six Sigma. " ...

Deploying Lean Six Sigma Practices in the Life Sciences Industry Conference

It's a Lean Six Sigma Town

Fort Wayne Indiana citizen benefit from city services improved by Lean Six Sigma methods. ...

... "The mayor will discuss how using high performance partnerships with Lean Six Sigma can improve city services and save taxpayers millions of dollars. Lean Six Sigma has saved Fort Wayne over $10 million, they said. " ...

Via Fort Wayne Business Weekly: Lean Six Sigma Showcase

PPG Lean Six Sigma Process Discussed

PPG Automotive Refinish shares insights on Lean Six Sigma with partners at upcoming seminar. ...

... "PPG will co-facilitate a NACE sponsored Roundtable titled Lean - Understanding the Process. The roundtables will provide a forum to discuss Lean Six Sigma processes in the collision center ... " ...

Via ABRN: PPG TPS Programs

Lean Sigma Business Workshops

Workshop series offered. ...

... "To kick off the initiative, a free half-day introduction to Lean Six Sigma will be offered Sept. 22 at SiMT. The Pee Dee Section (Section 1124) of the American Society for Quality is one of more than 250 ASQ sections. " ...

Via South Carolina Now: Business workshops

Lean Six Sigma Consulting Organization Acquired

Accenture completes acquisition of the George Group. ...

... "As part of its comprehensive management consulting capabilities, Accenture will now be able to provide clients with offerings and techniques developed by George Group, including Lean Six Sigma, which combines process improvement methodology with efficient process discipline to reduce delivery times, lower costs and increase customer satisfaction. Terms of the sale were not disclosed. The transition of George Group's 250 employees to Accenture complements Accenture's aggressive recruiting initiatives to meet rapidly growing client demand for management consulting services, especially in process-improvement solutions leading to enhanced performance.

George Group consultants have provided services to Fortune 500 companies and government organizations in more than 54 countries. In addition to Lean Six Sigma, George Group has developed techniques such as Fast Innovation, which provides companies with methods and processes to accelerate and sustain innovation, and Conquering Complexity, which helps companies measure and reduce the impact of complexity within their organizations. " ...

Via Accenture: Acquisition of George Group, Specialists in Process Improvement, Accelerating Innovation and Streamlining Operations

Lean Six Sigma for Manufacturing Complexity

Webinar this week ...

... "Endicott Interconnect Technologies Inc. will be holding a webcast, entitled Implementing Lean/Six Sigma in Complex Industries: A Case Study at Endicott Interconnect Technologies, on September 6, 2007. The webcast will discuss the weaknesses in five essential factors that make most complex Lean/Six Sigma deployments falter. " ...

Register for Webcast on Implementing Lean/Six Sigma in Complex Industries

Lean Labor Productivity

Local officials evaluate lean methods ...

... "Combining Lean and Six Sigma which generates long term change is designed to incorporate the best of both methodologies. " ...

Via Cumberland Times: Celebrate Work and Productivity

Lean and SixSigma EQ Peas and Carrots

Lean can accelerate the progress seen in Six Sigma implementations and the methodologies complement one another. ...

... "It has become so obvious that the two go together in Serigraph's lean journey that it almost can be raised to the level of axiom - quality improvements can go only so far without lean - or total quality management is impossible without lean disciplines. " ...

Via Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: Six Sigma, lean strategy

Seminar Explores Lean Six Sigma Role in Global Competition

APICS chapter offers Lean Six Sigma seminar on Tuesday, Aug 28th, 2007. ...

... "Competing Globally with Lean Six Sigma will offer a brief history of Lean Six Sigma, a process-improvement method, then move on to practical application of the principles in eliminating waste and variation to enhance global competitiveness. " ...

Via St. Cloud Times: Growth

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

Lean Transition Leadership

Lydall leader passes the baton to his successor and acknowledges the company's operational efficiency accomplishments through Lean Six Sigma. ...

... "With this accomplished, we directed our attention to renewing our focus on innovation through new-product development and on marketing efforts. And, finally, we tackled reducing costs and improving quality through our Lean Six Sigma program. I'm pleased with the progress that management and all employees have made on these fronts. " ...

Via Lydall: APPOINTMENT OF DALE G. BARNHART (PDF)

Contract Manages Lean Six Sigma Support

Naval Sea Systems Command has extended contract with Alion Science and Technology, to provide acquisition management support to its Program Executive Office, including support of Lean Six Sigma efforts. ...

... "The option, which runs from June 1, 2007 through June 6, 2008, covers ship project directive (SPD) execution planning and financial execution; government furnished equipment (GFE) acquisition, delivery management and production management; configuration management; program management and Lean Six Sigma support; and business and financial planning. The contract runs for a total of five years, including a one-year base period and four, one-year options. The total value of the contract, if all options are exercised, is $33 million. " ...

Via Alion: Contract Option to Support Navy's Program Executive Office

Hospital Lean SixSigma Success Stories Discussed

Teams discuss Lean Six Sigma successes in hospitals. ...

... "Teams from Unity, Thompson, Rochester General and Strong Memorial hospitals will share their success stories, results and lessons learned through applying Lean Six Sigma to improve processes. 8 a.m. June 21. Strong Memorial Hospital " ...

Via Democrat & Chronicle: Business Events

Six Sigma Orange Belt: Syracuse University Training

Syracuse University and Brambles Ltd. of Australia will collaborate on the development of a curriculum for a new three-credit course on Lean Six Sigma. ...

... "Brambles and its CHEP operating unit are working with the school to develop the content and certification requirements for the course, and professionals from Whitman School of Management's Supply Chain Program are also contributing to design the class format. Lean Six Sigma is being offered to undergraduates who have finished their core degree requirements plus two semesters of statistics, and to students studying for their MBA and Masters in Engineering degrees.

Upon completion of the fall term, successful students will receive their Orange Belt, equivalent to the White Belt but changed to reflect the school’s colors. A Green Belt is awarded to students who complete the spring project, which involves examining processes on the Syracuse campus, including activities like service scheduling and logistics. Finally, summer internships around the world are offered and students complete Six Sigma projects for private and public organizations to earn their Black Belt. " ...

Syracuse University and Brambles Partner to Bring Six Sigma Certification to Students

Kaizen Enables Hospital Improvements

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

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

Via Infection Control Today: Hospital Efficiency

Sustaining Lean Six Sigma Achievements

Integrated enterprise excellence is a method for sustaining Lean Six Sigma performance levels. ...

... "Lean Six Sigma has provided some relief and helped many businesses make significant performance improvements. Yet in many businesses, results of the first few implementations are impressive, usually because the goals were easily achievable ... " ...

Via Quality Management: Sustaining Excellence

Regal Beloit Earnings Driven By Lean SixSigma

Regal-Beloit sees growth and sustains profitability through Lean Six Sigma, which helps the company increase margins. Regal-Beloit uses GE Six Sigma methods. ...

... "The Company's initiatives continued to gain traction and had a significant impact on the Company's performance. New products and acquisition growth fueled sales growth, while Lean Six Sigma helped support operating margins. Net sales increased 5.1% to $418.6 million from $398.3 million in the first quarter of 2006. " ...

Via Regal Beloit: 11% Earnings Per Share Increase on Strength of Industrial Markets

Project Charter: Lean Six Sigma Approach For Smart Operations

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

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

Air Force Work Process Improvement

LeanSixSigma Persists Even On Earnings Dips

Louisiana-Pacific Corporation reports first quarter net loss and affirms commitment to operational efficiency through Lean Six Sigma. ...

... "Rick Frost, CEO: I do not see this market improving substantially for the rest of 2007, Frost continued. We will remain persistent in completing our strategic capital projects, working to increase market share with our most important customers, and implementing cost and process improvements through our Lean Six Sigma efforts. " ...

Via Louisiana-Pacific Corporation: First Quarter 2007 Results

Textron SixSigma Principle-Based Experience Shared At Summit

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

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

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

Six Sigma Organizational Effectiveness

Leadership team includes position on organizational effectiveness, building on an foundation of lean six sigma. ...

... "Sean Andersen, as the Leader of Organizational Effectiveness Practices, will be responsible for leading Lean Six Sigma process improvements spanning operations, technology, and implementation. " ...

Via Global Services: Organizationl Effectiveness

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

Workforce Involvement in Lean Six Sigma Program

Army base involves civilian workers in their Lean Six Sigma program. ...

... "The Lean Six Sigma process allows workers to identify paperwork, standard operating procedures and bureaucratic waste that undercuts customer service and makes jobs harder to do, he said. " ...

Via Stars & Stripes: Involving Workers in Eliminating Waste through Lean Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing Guidelines

Kildeer uses radio frequency devices to streamline its manufacturing process. ...

... "Killdeer is in the process of overhauling its manufacturing processes, using Six Sigma and lean manufacturing practices as guidelines. " ...

Via RFID Journal: Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing

Operations Center Excellence Through Lean SixSigma Quality Process

Nortel opens its new Global Operations Center of Excellence in Istanbul, which will provide tech support services to customers globally. The center leverages best practice methods for quality improvement, such as Lean Six Sigma. ...

... "The Global Operations Center of Excellence in Istanbul provides technical and operational support to Nortel customers deploying next-generation mobile, converged, metro Ethernet and optical networks. This includes product support for global customers, network technical support for customers in North America, and network integration and technical support for customers in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Center features the latest customer service tools, quality processes like Lean Six Sigma, and Nortel's market-leading contact center technology. Nortel has already recruited more than 300 graduates from Turkish universities to staff the Center as it progresses through 2007 to full operational capacity. " ...

Via Nortel: 24/7 Support to Nortel Carrier Customers Around the World While Improving Operational Performance ...

Green-Belt SixSigma Training Starts April 23 Through Partnership

Partnership will offer Lean Six Sigma training for green belt level. ...

... "Professionals seeking career enhancement programs or companies working to make the most of their training dollars will gain exposure to both the Lean and Six Sigma methodologies in this 10 day program. Simons-White & Associates has integrated their Lean and Six Sigma Green Belt training programs for optimized learning. Upon completion of this program, attendees will receive 8 continuing education units and have completed a project to demonstrate their new skills. The new program will offer support with candidate and project selection, introduction to MINITAB statistical software as well as project implementation ... " ...

Via Simons-White: Ohio State University's Alber Enterprise Center in partnership with Simons-White & Associates offers Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Program

Lean SixSigma Certificate April Classes

Lakeshore Technical College offers Lean Six Sigma classes in April. ...

... "The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certificate Program is designed for manufacturing, printing, distribution, service and healthcare industries. " ...

Via The Sheboygan Press: Certificate Program

Lean Six Sigma Creates Value at Local Firms

Lean and Six Sigma techniques translate well across companies and are equally at home in the front and back office. ...

... "Paychex Inc. hired former Kodak black belt Leslie Henckler as manager of operational process flow improvement in August to spearhead Lean Six Sigma efforts in Paychex's human resource business, dealing with customer 401(k) plans, insurance plans and other needs. " ...

Via Rochester Democrat & Chronicle: Six Sigma Used Successfully in Local Firms

Lean Six Sigma: Understand What You Are Getting Into

Lean and Six Sigma have their strengths and weaknesses. Lean eliminates waste. Six Sigma reduces variation. Both require culture change and leadership support. Understand your enterprise needs and vision. Choose carefully. ...

... "Lean and Six Sigma are two distinct organizational improvement methods that are being combined into an organizational streamlining program. " ...

Via CIO: Lean Six Sigma

JLG Lean-Six-Sigma Success Story

JLG implements lean manufacturing, transition into Six Sigma, and extends its reach into the supply chain. ...

... "Several years ago, the manufacturer of access equipment (think stock pickers and lifts) adopted a Lean strategy in all of its internal facilities, and informally extended this concept to the supply base wherever possible. " ...

Via Purchasing.com: JLG Lean Six Sigma Program

LeanSixSigma Performance Excellence Journey

F3 affirms its committment to providing quality service and products through Lean Six Sigma. ...

... "By achieving this registration, F3 has embarked on a performance excellence journey that includes methodologies such as external benchmarking and Lean Six Sigma deployment. This long-term perspective is going to uniquely position them in the future. " ...

F3 Quality Commitment

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

LeanSixSigma ProfitMargin Improves: Regal-Beloit

Regal-Beloit sees bottom-line impact from Lean Six Sigma initiatives. Its profit margin is increasing from the operating efficiencies created by Six Sigma projects. The CEO reports that the earnings improvement is largely driven by contributions from corporate wide initiatives. REGAL-BELOIT CORPORATION is a leading manufacturer of mechanical and electrical motion control and power generation products. The company is headquartered in Beloit, Wisconsin. ...

... "The gross profit margin for the fourth quarter of 2006 was 24.3%, which was 150 basis points above the gross profit margin in the fourth quarter of 2005 as a result of contributions from our Lean Six Sigma and productivity initiatives. Income from operations was $39.5 million or 10.8% of sales, a 3.1% increase over the $38.3 million or 10.2% of sales reported for the fourth quarter of 2005." ...

Via Regal-Beloit: REGAL-BELOIT Fourth Quarter Earnings Per Share Increase 8%