Lean manufacturing supports zero carbon footprint sustainability

Furniture manufacturing leaders see sustainability and operational efficiency integrated holistically with a target of lowest possible carbon footprint. ...

... "Lean manufacturing processes taught a long time ago that sound environmental practices are not just good business but great business. GOEMAN: Zero carbon is probably the most holistic driver of sustainability values in application, so long as it’s pursued as a consequence of how we do business - as opposed to acquiring offsets. " ...

Via Metropolis Magazine: Fundamental shifts

Xerox IngersollRand Lean Six Sigma Printing Services

Xerox will leverage lean and Six Sigma into its print services for Ingersoll Rand to achieve operational efficiency and sustainability objectives. ...

... "Using a Lean Six Sigma-based approach, Xerox will design a print environment with the appropriate number of output devices, like printers, fax machines, copiers and scanners, to help employees work more efficiently. " ...

Via Global Print Monitor: http://bit.ly/cByc3J

Donaldson Kaizen Optimizes Business for Future with Operational Efficiency

Bill Cook, Donaldson's Chairman, President and CEO discusses the company's results and how it is positioned to operate in the future business environment. Donaldson reported a decrease in sales and earnings but is experiencing sequential operating improvements. The company is deploying a kaizen culture in project portfolio fashion to drive operational efficiency broadly in its products, procurement, and business processes. Donaldson sees its kaizen strategy as a platform for shifting the business to a new level of performance, optimized to compete in the future. ...

... "However, given that we’re expecting a gradual economic recovery rather than a strong V-Shaped one, we will continue to focus on our cost control initiatives to ensure that we balance our expenses with our current and projected business levels. Under our corporate philosophy of Kaizen or continuous improvement, we have dozens of project teams working across our organization to further reduce costs and improve our operating efficiencies, in our product designs, in our purchase materials, manufacturing processes, and our operating departments. Our objectives include not only managing today’s costs, but also optimizing our business for the future. We also have on going return on investment initiatives focused on implementing long term improvements in our working capital utilization specifically inventory, accounts payable and accounts receivable. All this work has paid big dividends so far and will continue to do so. " ...

Via Seeking Alpha: Donaldson Company Management Earnings Discussion

Company facts: Donaldson Company, Inc., headquartered in Minneapolis, is a leading worldwide provider of filtration systems and replacement parts.

Donaldson energy efficiency program uses these techniques to identify opportunities: Donaldson Lessons Learned and Case Study for Energy Efficiency (PDF): "Process to identify opportunities: Six Sigma, Kaizen/Lean utility Audits, Leased Building Audit, HQ Campus formal Process Efficiency program. "

Donaldson creates and sustains its kaizen / lean culture through education and engagement. Recent Donaldson employee and now lean consultant, Mack Story, shares his experiences at the company, where he developed internal lean certification program and engaged with the manufacturing workforce through training and kaizen events: Mack Story - LinkedIn. Karl Johnson, who was an operations manager at Donaldson during his career, managed Six Sigma black belts and engaged in a number of improvement activities as a routine part of his role: Karl E Johnson - LinkedIn: Lean Techniques, Six Sigma Projects, 5S Improvements, Kaizen events, for example.

Arctic Cat Lean Efficiency Outlook

Arctic Cat is managing its margins with operational efficiency projects and lean manufacturing while demand moderates. ...

... "Arctic Cat is implementing operational efficiency initiatives aimed at returning the company to long-term profitability on lower anticipated sales volumes. The company’s fiscal 2010 outlook includes the following assumptions: the continuation of the weak global economic environment negatively impacting sales of recreational products; increasing gross margins up to 300 basis points through global low-cost sourcing, improved commodity pricing and greater efficiencies from lean manufacturing; " ...

Via Arctic Cat: Fiscal 2010 Second Quarter Results

Kaizen Events Target Operational Efficiency at Donaldson

Management discusses Donaldson Company performance and repositioning the operating costs for the revised business forecast. Donaldson is using a portfolio of kaizen-driven project to impact operational efficiencies. ...

... "Under our corporate philosophy of Kaizen, or continuous improvement, we have dozens of specific projects working across our organization to further reduce costs and improve our operating efficiencies in our product designs, purchased materials, our manufacturing processes and our operating departments. Our objective includes not only managing today’s cost but also optimizing our business for the future. We also have ongoing return on investment initiatives focused on implementing long-term improvement in our working capital utilization ... " ...

Via Seeking Alpha: Donaldson Company Earnings Call

Six Sigma Talent War in Pharma

As the drive for operational efficiency and cycle time to market accelerates, the need for Six Sigma talent increases. In the pharmaceutical industry, commoditized products are quickly transitioned to generic drug manufacturers, who can benefit from the outside-in perspectives of Six Sigma practitioners from other industries. ...

... "Those industries that produce executives who are highly trained in Six Sigma principles and practices may prove to be especially valuable sources of talent. " ...

Via livemint: Leadership challenge

Manufacturing IT Views Mobility Tops Per Barometer

Moto survey identifies mobility as key enabler to productivity in the manufacturing space. ...

... "The Motorola Enterprise Mobility Manufacturing Barometer surveyed manufacturing IT decision makers in 14 countries across four continents, of whom 80 percent cited that mobility was more important for their organizations today than in 2008. This represents a nine percent increase from previous research, indicating that enterprise mobility applications continue to grow in importance as manufacturers look to boost operational efficiencies and increase productivity in the current macro-economic climate. " ...

Via Motorola: Manufacturers View Mobility as Key to Converting Downtime into Productive Time

Hertzler Efficiency Seminar for Food Processors

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SPC software company will host webinar on operational efficiency for the food industry in October. ...

... "The seminar will be led by Tom Albrecht, Vice President of Business Development for Hertzler. Albrecht has been with the company for nearly 20 years. In his role he has helped dozens of companies increase efficiency, improve quality, and reduce costs. " ...

Via Hertzler Systems: Foods Industry executives

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Lydall Lean Six Sigma Success Story

Lydall CEO will discuss his company's success deploying Lean Six Sigma for operational efficiency and cash flow management at an upcoming analyst meeting. ...

... "Dale Barnhart said: We have used Lean Six Sigma successfully this year to improve efficiencies and maintain liquidity in a tough environment. We believe we are positioned much better now than before the economic downturn and are pleased with the prospects for our future. " ...

Via Reuters: Lydall to Attend West Coast Emerging Growth Institutional

Lydall leans their processes ...

Via Seeking Alpha: Lydall Inc. Q2 2009 Earnings: "The business is continually focused on leaning out the process, reducing our cost structure, lowering our breakeven point and we are seeing right now an actual increase in our quote activity, but still too early to tell, how that business will shape up for the year. "

Operational Excellence Mastery

Viracon is recognized for its application of asset management to drive operational efficiencies. ...

... "At Viracon, we’re constantly looking for ways to operate more efficiently and provide our customers with superior products and service, says Sheila Meixner, vice president of process improvement at Viracon. We are proud of the results we’ve achieved using the new asset tracking system, and we’re honored to have received the PM100 award. " ...

Via Viracon: Winner of Managing Automation 2009 Progressive Manufacturing 100 Awards

Watts Water Tech Lean Six Sigma

Watts Water Technologies deploys Lean Six Sigma for process improvement and operational efficiency, across a consolidating manufacturing footprint. ...

... "We are committed to reducing our manufacturing and operating costs through a combination of manufacturing in lower-cost countries, using Lean Six Sigma to drive continuous improvement across all key processes, and consolidating our diverse manufacturing operations in North America, Europe and China. We have acquired a number of manufacturing facilities in lower-cost regions such as China, Bulgaria and Tunisia. In 2007, we announced a global restructuring plan to reduce our manufacturing footprint in order to reduce our costs and to realize additional operating efficiencies. In February 2009, we announced an additional plan to consolidate manufacturing in North America and China." ...

Via Watts Water Technologies: 2008 Annual Report (PDF)

Spend Management Cost Controls Drive Operational Efficiency at Lowe's

Lowe's works on its operational efficiency with strategic focus on spend management. It is in the early stages of rolling out system solution for automating work-flow approvals, minimizing human intervention, and leveraging spend with strategic sourcing. ...

... "The primary purpose of this tool is to provide cost control and management approval for expenses prior to the acquisition of goods and services. Purchase orders and invoices can be routed electronically, driving down the cost of processing those transactions and with aggregated data, the tool also streamlines the strategic sourcing [embedding] process as well as online auctions, allowing Lowe's to put more [source in the fence] to drive down cost. The spend management application has been available across the company for only 30 days but we are confident this system will drive significant cost savings over time. " ...

Via Seeking Alpha: Lowe's Earnings Call

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

Sensors Decrease Logistics Bottlenecks

Ringnes, Norway brewer, implements IBM sensor technology to improve visibility in its logistics processes to lower bottlenecks and increase operational efficiency. ...

... "The IBM system is helping Ringnes to reduce costs and make more timely deliveries. Employees in the Ringnes Oslo facility are now able to access a complete view of the trucks and containers inside the shipping and receiving terminal, as well as their load status. Ringnes can quickly determine whether a trailer or container is on or off site, how long it was parked at the facility, and when it was loaded, unloaded, and driven away. In addition, the brewery can quickly spot and resolve bottlenecks in its logistics operations and address them in order to speed deliveries. " ...

Via IBM: Norway Brewery Reduces Bottlenecks in Logistics Operations

Merck Six Sigma

Merck announces blockbuster pharmaceutical industry acquisition, but expect the CEO to leverage Six Sigma methods to achieve and sustain operating efficiency synergies. ...

... "His background was in manufacturing and operations, his mantra: Six Sigma -- a system to lower costs and improve efficiency ... " ...

Via Reuters: Merck CEO

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

PackML Automation Enables Root Cause Analysis of Event Data

GE Fanuc embraces PLC standards that enable continuous improvement through identification and resolution of root causes involving manufacturing events. ...

... "Integrating OMAC’s PackML and Packtag standards into an automation solution reduces the burden of handshaking between PLCs on a coordinated line. The result: faster line rates can be maintained, and improved coordination can reduce the need for buffering conveyance and/or accumulators. Furthermore, these control-layer standards can actually reach well beyond the registers in a control system: by reducing the forensic work needed to integrate machines on disparate platforms, PackTags and PackML lay the foundation to easily and consistently interpret the event data that resides in the controllers of packaging lines. And it is this data that powers the root cause analysis needed to identify and engineer out sources of inefficiencies. " ...

Via GE Fanuc: OMAC Make2Pack Standards Accelerate Manufacturing Continuous Improvement Initiatives

GreenBelts Deliver Six Sigma Benefits

Crown Equipment invests in Six Sigma training and the company's green belt workforce delivers tangible benefits with more planned. ...

... "Somewhat counter to initial expectations, for instance, has been the finding that the bulk of the $1.5 million of savings has come from Green Belt activities ... " ...

Via Manufacturing Business Technology: Six Sigma payoff

Government Efficiency throughSix Sigma

Vernon County looks to Six Sigma in an effort to create efficiency and improve local government services. ...

... "Local efficiency consultant Joel Turino has made presentations to the committee and the human services department about how the Six Sigma process has been used by various units of government to become more efficient. " ...

Via Vernon Broadcaster: County savings

Tenneco Six Sigma to Weather Economic Storm

Tenneco is implementing aggressive actions to adjust its operating expenses, lower working capital requirements, and improve workforce productivity. The company will use Six Sigma and lean methods to accelerate operational efficiency. ...

... "Accelerate working capital improvement opportunities; Implement targeted reductions in capital spending; Step up its Six Sigma and Lean manufacturing initiatives to drive greater manufacturing efficiencies and costs savings; Significantly reduce and re-prioritize information technology (IT) spending; " ...

Via Tenneco: AGGRESSIVE ACTIONS TO SIZE ITS GLOBAL OPERATIONS TO CHANGING MARKET CONDITIONS

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

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

Six Sigma Peak Efficiency

Dow Corning is recognized by the American Chemistry Council for its energy efficiency, which was accomplished using Six Sigma techniques. ...

... "Many distillation columns operate the same way year after year and not running at optimum conditions compounds energy losses. The Carrollton site implemented a Six Sigma project to bring a column up to peak efficiency, and then replicate the results on a similar process. " ...

Via Madison Courier: Dow Corning wins award

Six Sigma Fever Challenges GE

GE may be a victim of its past successes, as it becomes challenging for the current CEO, Immelt, to replicate the stellar performance of the GE of the past, with Jack Welch at the helm, which leveraged Six Sigma for consistent operating efficiencies coupled with growth gains. ...

... "The 40-plus price-to-earnings multiple came from a nutty euphoria generated by recurring Fortune covers, Six-Sigma fever, unnaturally consistent earnings and Welch’s need to publicly front the narrative. " ...

Via Portfolio: Jeff Immelt

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

Cintas Six Sigma Efficiency Program

Cintas President and Chief Operating Officer was instrumental in the company's operational efficiency efforts, using Six Sigma methodology. ...

... "That led Cintas into implementing Six Sigma, a process-improvement methodology to increase efficiency across the company and an effort Holloman led before being named vice president of global supply chain management. " ...

Via Cincinnati Enquirer: Exec in small club

Lean Manufacturing Enables Xerium Growth Program

Global manufacturing company, Xerium Tech, supports the paper production industry with products and reports its financial results. It is executing a turnaround plan that includes lean manufacturing to lay the operational efficiency foundation for its strategic growth plan. ...

... "These growth program costs for the year ended December 31, 2007 include expenses incurred for our lean manufacturing initiatives, expansion into Vietnam and other growth programs. " ...

Via Xerium Technologies: Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2007 Results

India Six Sigma Strength Delivers Value

With the potential of a global slowdown increasing, Indian outsourcing firms can leverage their strengths in Six Sigma and cost-effective delivery to differentiate themselves in the marketplace. ...

... "Even in a three-decade-old industry, firms are adding value by reducing average handle times per call by 30% to 40% using Six Sigma standards of efficiency. " ...

Via Knowledge @ Wharton: How Will Indian IT and BPO Firms Cope with a Global Slowdown?

Textron CEO Sees Six Sigma Benefits

Textron CEO Lewis Campbell believes in Six Sigma as the route to becoming a premiere multi-industry company. ...

... "Even though Cessna has been producing planes for 89 years and jets since 1972, they recently took 17% of the labor hours out of their single-piston aircraft. That's a big number. " ...

Via USAToday: Textron CEO

Six Sigma Achievement in Process Efficiency is Awarded

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

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

Via ATMI: Best Achievement in Six Sigma

The Six Sigma Police See Savings Potential

Six Sigma discipline often requires policing. In this situation, the police are using Six Sigma to do the policing ... for operational efficiencies in their processes. They see potential benefits in cycle time reduction for the booking process. ...

... "The Mesa Police Department is one of four agencies nationwide that are participating in a pilot program of Six Sigma in police departments, said Mesa police Sgt. Kathy Kirkham ... " ...

Via EastValleyTribune: Mesa police

Failure Analysis in Six Sigma Methods

Dyadem enables Maidstone to analyze its failure modes, eliminate root causes, improve quality, and operate efficiently.

... "Maidstone has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars through the use of Six Sigma methodology and Dyadem's FMEA Pro-7 Risk Management Software -- commonly used to improve quality in manufacturing but rarely seen in the consumer products sector. Maidstone produces more than 60 million donuts per week and wanted to ensure top quality while making sure its production operations were as efficient as possible. Dyadem has helped Maidstone significantly reduce costs while improving quality at its 400,000 square foot facility in Brantford, Ontario. " ...

Via Dyadem: Product Failure Analysis Software

Lean Supply Chain Sorted and Straightened

Lean is not easy - in manufacturing or other business processes. But, it's results are achievable with the right level of committment. It can translate beyond the factory to the supply chain, where elimination of waste can scale across many inefficient processes that need sorting and straightening. Read on for some good insights on thinking beyond the plant boundaries. ...

... "It is admittedly easier to think about sortation and straightening in the context of manufacturing and warehousing than in the supply chain, but when you extend their definitions to include the development of good processes and procedures, their relevance becomes clear. " ...

Via DC Velocity: Supply Chain

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

Lear Lean Manufacturing Implementation Drives Operational Efficiency Gains

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sybron Lean Manufacturing Builds on Danaher Business System

Sybron emphasizes operational efficiency through application of Danaher Business System, based on lean manufacturing principles. ...

... "Sybron has adopted principles known as Danaher Business Systems, which he called a playbook to make the company run as a more efficient team. It's centered on kaizen, a quality improvement process that grew out of the teaching of W. Edwards Deming. " ...

Via Orange County Business Journal: Sybron

Operational Efficiency Limits?

Will high-efficiency enterprises reach a point of diminishing returns when it comes to operational efficiency? ...

... "Logistics experts with a Six Sigma background may argue that point is never fully realizable, although a retailer (or any business) must know when to cut and run when the costs expended to save money cost more than the eventual money saved. " ...

Via BloggingStocks: Limits of Efficiency

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

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)

Software Project Success With Six Sigma

Six Sigma process can be applied to software selections in order to enable project success. ...

... "A successful software selection project is no different. It involves identifying the known problems within an organization, collecting appropriate user facts or issues, and identifying the underlying root causes. In this case, the root cause would be the deficiencies within the current software package that are driving the organization's operational inefficiencies. " ...

Via Accounting Software: Software Selection using Six Sigma

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

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

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

Manufacturing Consolidation Optimize Lean Opportunities

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

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

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

Nortech Strategic Focus: Lean Manufacturing Initiative to Drive Significant Profit Margins

Nortech Systems reports 17 percent increase in quarterly net sales and an increase in annual net income. The company is initiating a lean manufacturing program to continually improve operational efficiency resulting in expansion of profit margins. ...

... "During 2006, Degen said higher costs for energy and commodities were offset by volume increases and operational leveraging. Another strategic focus for Nortech is the launching of a comprehensive lean manufacturing initiative aimed at further cost reductions and continual improvements. This program has a near-term goal of increasing the company's net profit significantly. As with lean manufacturing efforts, Nortech will continue to focus on building customer relationships that will permeate every aspect of the company, not just sales and customer service. While strengthening its relationship with existing customers, Degen said the company continues to gain traction both with new customers and new markets. " ...

Via Nortech: Nortech Systems Reports Fourth Quarter, Fiscal 2006 Year-End Results ...

Lean Cell Concepts: Make-to-Order

Stollenwerk shoe manufacturing stays on-shore and uses lean concepts to better manage working capital and remains globally competitive through operational efficiency. ...

... "Thanks to the introduction of lean manufacturing and cell concepts, the company can make a pair in seven hours. Shoes are made to order, with the inventory of finished products kept very low. " ...

Via Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Link

Lean Techniques: GE Transportation Rail Manufacturing Plants

Pennsylvania and businesses invest in the improvement of manufacturing in the state. GE specifically is investing in lean manufacturing techniques to accelerate customer services and increase operational efficiency. ...

... "GE Transportation Systems plans to implement lean manufacturing techniques at its rail plants in Erie and Grove City, Mercer County, a project that is expected to cost $12.8 million. By applying this new operational strategy, the company expects to lower costs and shorten lead times to deliver orders and products. GE Transportation Systems has already fulfilled its commitment to the commonwealth to create 120 new jobs, is also retaining 4,486 existing jobs in Erie and 915 additional jobs at other Pennsylvania locations. The Greater Erie Industrial Development Corporation (GEIDC) supported the company in its efforts to obtain the investment package from DCED that includes a $250,000 Opportunity Grant and $250,000 in Customized Job Training (CJT). GE Transportation Systems manufactures locomotives, off-highway vehicles and wind turbines." ...

Via PA Governor Ed Rendell: GOVERNOR RENDELL SAYS 3 MANUFACTURERS INVESTING $19 MILLION TO GROW NORTHWEST PA OPERATIONS, CREATE 385 NEW JOBS

Printing Machinery Lean Manufacturing

The Canterbury Press sees success in the print market through lean techniques that drive operational efficiency. The company also invests in new machinery and automation to enable it to compete effectively in the marketplace. ...

... "Canterbury was an early adopter of lean manufacturing practices to cut costs and speed production. The ROLAND 700 will help the company's employee-owners notch that advantage up further to make production even more efficient and timely. " ...

Via What They Think: Read

Pharma Cuts Costs with Six Sigma

Big pharma firms, such as Merck, are focusing on operational efficiency in their supply chains, reducing their manufacturing footprint and eliminating costs through Six Sigma improvement programs. This is becoming a common recipe for larger drug firms as their margins are being compressed. ...

... "A lot of companies are moving some elements of R&D to India and China to cut costs. Many are adopting new manufacturing systems like Six Sigma. " ...

Via Investor's Business Daily: Link

Product Quality: Six Sigma Focus

C&D uses Six Sigma to improve product quality and improve operational efficiency. ...

... "We believe that the transition of Motive manufacturing to modern low-cost facilities with the elimination of a significant fixed overhead burden, combined with other cost reduction initiatives and a strong focus on product quality through our Six Sigma program, significantly improves our cost structure to allow us to more effectively compete in this market. " ...

C&D Technologies Announces Third Quarter Financial Results ...

LeanSixSigma: Danaher Business System

Accenture partner discusses the transformation that is achieved through Lean Six Sigma implementation. Sustaining high performance that translates into ongoing profitability is the goal. And, lean manufacturing principles become the enterprise's diet. ...

... "At the level of daily management, kaizen events employ a diverse range of operational efficiency tools – including Six Sigma and value-mapping techniques – to eliminate such sources of waste as excess inventory, waiting time, overproduction and quality defects. " ...

Via The Manufacturer: Link

Logistics Six Sigma Savings: 3M Brazil

3M will outsource pallet management to CHEP, trasitioning from exchange pallets. Using the Six Sigma DMAIC process, 3M validates significant room for improvement in its pallet operation. It expects to realize benefits with potential cost reductions for transportation and storage. ...

... "To determine whether CHEP services were appropriate for the company's operations, 3M used Six Sigma processes, solicited feedback from wholesale and superstore retail customers and conducted a comprehensive reference call at the Brazilian facilities of a leading global consumer products company. During the review process, managers identified a chance to decrease loss of pallets and reduce the quantity of renewed equipment derived by costumer returns. " ...

Via CHEP: 3M Brazil Sees Cost Savings With CHEP Program

CHEP is the global leader in pallet and container pooling services serving many of the world's largest companies. The company has more than 7,700 employees and operates in 44 countries. Combining superior technology and an asset base of more than 280 million pallets and containers, CHEP offers its customers exceptional value, a platform that enables reduction in customer product damage, and an environmentally sustainable logistical solution. Supply chains served include consumer goods, produce, beverage, and the automotive industry. With global partners that include Procter & Gamble, SYSCO, Kellogg's, Kraft, Nestle, Ford and GM, CHEP is known for Handling the World's Most Important Products. Everyday.

3M Brazil uses a number of management methods in its operations, such as theory of constraints in its supply chain. ...

Via AGI-Goldratt Institute: TOC World 2000 Video Presentations: "3M Brazil successfully applies the Theory of Constraints to their Sales and Operational Plan (SOP) to define their ideal sales mix in terms of addressing the market, the impact on production, and to evaluate the impact on their bottom line. "

In addition to its efficiency focus, 3M Brazil focuses on sustainability in its manufacturing operations. Its skills in pollution prevention are showcased here. ...

3P Examples: "3P team from 3M Brazil's Itapetininga facility replaced the solvent-based paper treatment process the plant used to manufacture packaging, medical and masking tapes with a new, water-based process. As a result of this change, the facility reduced solvent emissions by over 45 tons per year. "

Kahiki Lean Operations Drives Fundamentals

Company focuses on the fundamentals of operational improvement to drive profitability and growth. ...

... "Alan Hoover, President and CEO commented: These results clearly demonstrate that we are starting to realize the operational improvements that we have undertaken over the past year, including moving to a new manufacturing facility and implementing lean manufacturing. We have a very clear focus on growing our business profitably through the right mix of customers and products. We remain committed to building positive earnings by executing on the fundamentals: operational improvements, cost savings, and profitable sales. " ...

Via Kahiki Foods: Kahiki Announces Second Quarter FY07 Results

Market Forces: Lean Manufacturing ...

The impact of economic forces at play in the market on enterprise profitability cannot be stabilized solely by an operational efficiency program, such as lean manufacturing. ...

... "So then this whole idea of lean manufacturing hasn't really stopped the market gyrations, right? Chia: Not for everyone. Broadcom will see a revenue drop in Q3. " ...

Via Electronic News: Read

Lean Black Belt Coaching: Steel Consolidation ...

Consolidation in the global steel industry drives lean principles and operational efficiency. ...

... "Under French chief executive Philippe Varin, Corus had brought in 250 black-belt coaches in lean manufacturing and earned a reputation as one of the most efficient steel-makers in the world, while Tata came with a reputation as arguably the world's lowest-cost producer. " ...

Via Sunday Herald: Read

SAP PlantFloor Integration: Supports SixSigma Efforts

GE Fanuc and SAP partner to integrate SAP ERP business system with the plant floor automation system. The systems integration supports visibility to manufacturing operations in order to drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement. ...

... "The combination of GE Fanuc's Production Management solutions with SAP's Production Execution services allows for the gathering, analyzing and transforming of real-time data into information to continuously improve a company's level of productivity and performance. The real-time visibility and intelligence facilitated by the combined solution translates into improved agility, quality and efficiency by tracking and executing production operations through a closed-loop information exchange with the SAP Business Suite.

The solutions will provide product genealogy information traced by raw material consumption and production performance data. Additionally, they will drive operational efficiency and quality as well as the ability to respond quickly to manufacturing events and trends. These flexible, capable production systems will also meet the needs of companies that typically manufacture many variants of their products and require exceptional agility." ...

Via GE Fanuc Automation: GE Fanuc Teams with SAP to Ease Enterprise Integration, Improve Quality and Drive Productivity ...

Continuous Improvement Projects: Lean Manufacturing Program ...

Lean continuous improvement projects at Bocenor improve its operational efficiency and overall outlook for future growth and profitability. ...

... "Bocenor's operating profitability improved despite lower sales, thanks to the operational and financial optimization strategy carried out in prior quarters, particularly the implementation of the Lean Manufacturing Program which considerably lowered the window and door manufacturing breakeven point, the Company’s focus on higher value-added products and less-costly-to-serve markets, the initial benefits of the recovery plan undertaken at the Ste-Marie plant in March 2006, and tight cost controls.



Management's Outlook: In recent quarters, the Company has made considerable progress in regard to the three primary objectives it has been focusing on for the past two years: improving the quality of its service, its profitability and its balance sheet. Its breakeven point has been lowered significantly thanks to the Lean Manufacturing Program, the numerous aspects of which are now being managed on a continuous improvement basis. In addition, the elimination of its long-term debt and improvement in its working capital following the sale of Multiver translated into a substantial reduction in financial expenses. In upcoming quarters, the Company's profitability should continue to be fostered by other factors, notably the recovery plan in progress at the Ste-Marie de Beauce plant, including the recent consolidation of wood preparation operations, and a further improvement in organization and operating efficiency." ...

Via Groupe Bocenor: The Company Lowers Its Breakeven Point and Intensifies Its Market Development Efforts ...

Kaizen Events Kanban Discipline Outperforms Expectations ...

Investment VP sees company's kaizen experience as enabling expectations to be outperformed. ...

... "Since our initial investment Breeze has obtained three new patents, centralized materials purchasing, instituted Kaizen events that have led to cost reductions and adopted Kanban disciplines to streamline inventory management, said American Capital Vice President Helen Yang. As a result, it has significantly reduced its leverage and impressively outperformed our expectations. This quick de-levering, coupled with the Company's attractive growth prospects and continued cost reductions have created conditions for a dividend recapitalization. American Capital first invested in Breeze in August 2004, supporting Wind Point's acquisition. Founded in 1948 in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, Breeze invented and patented the first worm-drive hose clamp, which uses a worm screw configuration to tighten, seal and connect pipes and tubes. " ...

Kaizen Events Kanban Discipline Outperforms Expectations: Via American Capital: American Capital Invests $52 Million in Portfolio Company Breeze Industrial Products Corporation



Breeze Industrial Products Corporation with facilities in Saltsburg, Pennsylvania, Auburn Hills, Michigan and Frittlingen Germany, is a leading global supplier of proprietary and patented steel clamps for the heavy duty truck, automotive, and industrial markets. Offering 13 product lines for varied clamping applications, the Company sells approximately 13,000 different SKUs marketed under the Breeze, Torca, and Clamp-All brands.

Kaizen Events Kickoff Operational Excellence Program ...

MITY reports a good quarter and strong year, as it balances growth with operational efficiency. Just starting its kaizen events, you could expect it to deliver significant efficiencies over the next few years as Lean Six Sigma techniques work their magic. ...

... "To enhance our innovative chair offering, this quarter we introduced two new chair lines: the SwiftSet Courtside folding chair and the SwiftSet HDTM high density stacking chair. Both chair lines were in response to customer requests and expand our offering into previously untapped opportunities. In addition, we continue to focus on improving our operational excellence by implementing lean and six sigma manufacturing techniques. We are just starting to see some results from our efforts and, recently, had our first series of Kaizen events. " ...

Kaizen Events Kickoff Operational Excellence Program: Via Mity Enterprises: MITY ENTERPRISES, INC. ANNOUNCES RESULTS FOR FOURTH FISCAL QUARTER AND YEAR END ...

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

Lean Manufacturing: Packaging Industry Innovation ...

Lars Emilson, Rexam CEO, is still excited about the packaging industry, as his company accelerates innovation and increases operational efficiency through Six Sigma. ...

... "Rexam has been tackling these rising costs by focusing on efficiency and implementing lean manufacturing techniques, including Six Sigma. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Packaging Industry Innovation: Where bottles and cans come in a package with creativity: Via Times Online ...

Lean Manufacturing: Software Identifies Production Constraints ...

Manufacturing firm uses software to find production constraints. ...

... "Onbelay Automotive Coatings based in Chatham, Ontario, installed Plantnode on both their E-coating and Power Coatings lines to identify production bottlenecks in their manufacturing process. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Software Identifies Production Constraints: Via Shoplogix: Onbelay Automotive Coatings Increases Operational Efficiency with Shoplogix Plantnode ...

Plantnode is a hybrid web-based software application designed on an open platform to integrate with existing production equipment, analyze real-time performance, and evaluate machine productivity. Plantnode's built-in intelligence goes beyond raw data collection to provide a fully integrated production and performance management application; differentiated by the ability to compare real-time data against planned estimates. Plantnode is proven to increase Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and enables machine level visibility on a 24x7 basis with automatic escalations and interactive processes to drive higher levels of operational efficiency, quality, and performance.

Six Sigma SOX Sarbanes Oxley Compliance ...

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

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

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

Kaizen Blitz Investment ...

Investment sought to continue with kaizen blitz to drive operational efficiency ...

... "This will include strengthening the authority's highly-regarded Kaizen Blitz team, which develops ways of efficient working; " ...

Kaizen Blitz Investment: Via The Buchan Observer: Council Tax bills to rise by 4.5% ...

Lean SixSigma Business Operating System ...

Ingersoll Rand will drive efficiency through its Lean Six Sigma business operating system as its seeks to drive global revenue growth ...

... "Operational Excellence: During 2005, the company's operational excellence activities grew operating margins a full percentage point to 12.9% despite a $175 million increase in material costs. The company expects its efforts to formalize its business operating system, a collection of best practices in continuous improvement driven by lean, six sigma and Ingersoll Rand's unique business processes, will continue to drive efficiency gains to largely offset anticipated high material, transportation and energy costs in 2006. With its portfolio transformation complete, the company plans to increase its investments by $80 million this year in initiatives promoting long-term growth. These investments will be made in new product development to drive long-term revenue growth across all five of its business sectors, and in expanding market opportunities for its recently acquired businesses. The company also intends to grow distribution channels for its Bobcat, pneumatic tools and air compressor businesses in promising geographic markets, such as Asia Pacific and Latin America. The investments will also be used to help build a new product development and engineering center in Bangalore, India, and expand the capabilities of an existing engineering center outside Prague. " ...

Lean SixSigma Business Operating System: Via Ingersoll Rand: Ingersoll Rand to Outline Strategy for Generating Consistent Growth: CEO to Discuss Long-term Plan at the Lehman Brothers Industrial Select Conference ...

Lean Manufacturing Restructuring Program ...

Lean manufacturing can play a role in enterprise restructuring by increasing the operational efficiency of the organization. Tracy Kershaw-Staley explores the opportunities that lie ahead for Rittal Corp., who has embraced lean manufacturing to drive its operational excellence restructuring program. ...

... "Rittal scaled back its Ohio manufacturing base from two plants to one plant in Urbana in 2000. Leaders have spent the past few years restructuring the company into business units and implementing lean manufacturing to cut costs and improve service to customers, which include heavyweights such as Dell Inc., IBM Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Restructuring Program: Via MSNBC: Rittal plans to increase staff by 50 ...

Kaizen Events: Multiple Tools Focus on Supply Chain ...

Deluxe Corp focuses on operational efficiency to remain competitive in its market. ...

... "The list of tools and methodology we employed reads like a lean manufacturing primer: kaizen events, just-in-time, work cells and pods, shorter make-ready times, and reduced spoilage. " ...

Kaizen Events: Multiple Tools Focus on Supply Chain: Via IndustryWeek : Keeping Up With The Times

Tag: Kaizen

Lean Manufacturing Program: Ortho-Clinical ...

Ortho-Clinical implements lean manufacturing program to drive operational efficiency. ...

... "As the new general manager of Rochester operations at Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, a J&J medical device company that employs 1,500 people in the area, Thibodeau is using her expertise to implement lean manufacturing programs - cost-cutting measures prevalent in today's competitive marketplace. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Program: Ortho-Clinical: Via Democrat & Chronicle: Business: Ortho-Clinical's chief applies lean strategies ...

Operational Excellence: Committment to Efficiency ...

Foundation Coal is recognized for its committment to operational excellence. ...

Operational Excellence: Committment to Efficiency: Via Foundation Coal Holdings, Inc.: Foundation Coal Awarded 2005 Coal Company of the Year at Platts Global Energy Awards ...

... "Winning Coal Company of the Year honors is a tremendous accomplishment for Foundation Coal, said company president and chief executive officer, James F. Roberts. This award further validates the success of our business strategy over the course of our first year as a public company. Our commitment to operational excellence as a low-cost producer, focus on excellence in safety and environmental stewardship, and management of risk through geographic, operational, and market diversity continues to generate strong returns for our shareholders, provide a safe workplace for our employees, and yield high-value products for our customers, Roberts continued. " ...

Merck Transformation: Lean Manufacturing Drives Operational Efficiency ...

Merck is in the midst of a major restructuring and lean manufacturing transformation to drive operational efficiencies. Jacob Fenton explores Merck's sale of manufacturing assets, headcount reduction, and impact on the surrounding community. ...

Merck Transformation: Lean Manufacturing: Via North Penn Life: Merck won't close West Point facility ...

... "Manufacturing jobs are being trimmed throughout the company. And while lean manufacturing is at the heart of the company's restructuring plans, Merck also plans to close one basic research site and two preclinical development sites by 2008. " ...

Major restructuring announced by Merck. ...

Via Merck: Merck Announces Initial Steps In Global Restructuring Program: Initial Phase of Cost Reduction Program Expected to Yield Cumulative Pretax Savings of $3.5 Billion to $4.0 Billion in 2006-2010 ...

... "Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE: MRK) announced the first phase of a global restructuring program designed to reduce the Company's cost structure, increase efficiency, and enhance competitiveness. The initial steps will include the implementation of a new supply strategy by the Merck Manufacturing Division (MMD), which is intended to create a leaner, more cost-effective and customer-focused manufacturing model over the next three years. The actions we are announcing today are an important first step in positioning Merck to meet the challenges the Company faces now and in the future, said Richard T. Clark, chief executive officer and president of Merck & Co., Inc. We are engaged in an ongoing effort to enhance efficiencies throughout the Company and improve the way we discover, develop, manufacture and market our medicines and vaccines and ensure that we get them to patients who need them as quickly, safely and efficiently as possible. Going forward, we also plan to pursue improved approaches to R&D, and marketing and sales. " ...

Emphasis on streamlined business processes and operational efficiency when announcing new CEO of Merck. ...

Richard T. Clark Named Chief Executive Officer and President of Merck; Company Veteran with Managed Care and Manufacturing Experience to Lead Merck ...

... "Here at Merck, Dick Clark has been the architect of some of this Company’s most important strategic initiatives. He has been a force within Merck to maximize the potential of the pipeline, accelerate the introduction of new medicines, streamline business processes, and focus resources in ways that maximize competitive advantage. Dick is uniquely experienced and exceptionally well qualified to lead the Company in turning Merck’s excellent science into innovative products that benefit patients and build shareholder value. " ...

Merck & Co., Inc. is a global research-driven pharmaceutical company dedicated to putting patients first. Established in 1891, Merck discovers, develops, manufactures and markets vaccines and medicines in more than 20 therapeutic categories. The Company devotes extensive efforts to increase access to medicines through far-reaching programs that not only donate Merck medicines but help deliver them to the people who need them. Merck also publishes unbiased health information as a not-for-profit service.

Adaptive Flexible Lean Manufacturing Environment ...

Lean manufacturers need software that enables them to adapt and operate a flexible factory. John Tilak explores the insights of the latest IDC survey on the manufacturing IT market in Europe. ...

Adaptive Flexible Lean Manufacturing Environment: Via Digital Media Asia: Heavy ERP spending among Western European manufacturing firms to continue ...

... "In vertical-specific applications, the creation of adaptive and flexible manufacturing environments is a prerequisite, as lean manufacturing strategies demand enhanced operational efficiency. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Fundamental Change ...

Lean manufacturing enables operational efficiency and positions manufacturing companies for the growth and acquisition trail. Jennifer Rogers explores the expansion of Fountain Industries through its purchase of Eagan-based Multitech. ...

Lean Manufacturing Fundamental Change: Via The Albert Lea Tribune: Albert Lea's Fountain Industries expanding with purchase of Multitech ...

... "Olchefske credited Fountain Industries lean manufacturing initiatives for freeing up internal space and working capital to make the opportunity a reality. " ...

Operational Performance Management Software: Enable Six Sigma Initiatives ...

Pilot Software enables Sovereign's Six Sigma initiative with its operational performance management software. ...

Operational Performance Management Software: Enable Six Sigma Initiatives: Pilot Software Selected by South Africa-based Sovereign Health for its Performance Management Needs: Reinforces Pilot’s global presence, healthcare performance management expertise ...

... "Pilot® Software, the original provider of operational performance management solutions, today announced that South Africa-based Sovereign Health Pty Ltd has selected Pilot Software’s operational performance management solution to further its corporate objectives and leadership within the market. " ...

With more than 40 years’ experience in healthcare administration, Sovereign Health Pty Ltd remains focused on differentiating and distinguishing itself as the best and first at whatever it does. The company was the first healthcare administrator in South Africa to adopt Six Sigma process efficiency improvement initiatives; the first and only South African healthcare administrator to be conferred with the coveted ISO9001:2000 certification; and the first South African company to be certified to the internationally acclaimed information security management system, the BS7799 . Sovereign Health currently administers four open and seven closed medical schemes, accounting for over 105,000 members.

Pilot is the leader in operational performance management solutions for customer operations, public sector, and Web channel organizations. The culmination of more than 15 years of development and industry expertise — starting with the first-ever performance management solution deployed — Pilot’s patent-pending solutions dramatically improve performance by rapidly aligning day-to-day execution with strategic objectives. Pilot’s operational alignment framework includes software components for strategy plans and pathways; initiative management and prioritization; scorecards and dashboards; reports and ad hoc analysis; and modeling and integration.

Kaizen Event: 5S Implementation ...

Kaizen 5S process at Stevens Industries reduced cycle times, travel distance, and space requirements, while increasing the production capacity. ...

Kaizen Event: 5S Implementation: Via NIST: Stevens Industries International, Inc.: MEP Providing Hands-On Help through Florida Manufacturing Extension Partnership ...

... "Florida MEP worked with Stevens' management team in introducing the principles of lean manufacturing to key employees by presenting a TimeWise Lean 101 workshop thereby providing all team members with the knowledge and necessary tools to advance to the next stage of lean transformation. Stevens then moved on with a Computerized Process Model of their counter top shop in Fort Meyers to evaluate the process in their counter top facility. A value stream map was then created for the Cabinet Manufacturing line, which resulted in a Kaizen event and a 5S-implementation process. The Stevens' Lean Team implemented the basics of lean (5S's, standardized work, quality at the source, pull/kanban systems). " ...

Revenue Growth: Six Sigma Margin Expansion ...

Ducommun may have turned the corner, as it implements Six Sigma to drive operational efficiency. Jason Mac Gurn explores the situation at aerospace parts manufacturer, Ducommun Incorporated, which is struggling to manage its profit margin, while revenue growth is sustained. ...

Revenue Growth: Six Sigma Margin Expansion: Via Motley Fool: Ducommun Halts Descent ...

... "Furthermore, Ducommun has been implementing Six Sigma to optimize efficiency, which might explain some of the operational improvement. " ...

Airspeed Tools: Lean Six Sigma ...

Military is investing in operational excellence through is Airspeed program. Lance Cpl. Jonathan A. Tabb explores the training of marines in Lean and Six Sigma methods to drive operational efficiency in aircraft maintenance. ...

Airspeed Tools: Lean Six Sigma: Via Marine Corps News: AIRSpeed program helps MALS-29 conduct business

... "The projected outcome of the Design Implementation Phase of the AIRSpeed program is for the site to have a ready to deploy AIRSpeed design for wave-one work centers, Granado explained. We're teaching the Marines of MALS-29 what we know about the AIRSpeed tools of Theory of Constraints, Lean, and Six-Sigma so that their Site Core Team and Design Team members can design, and deploy additional work centers in the future, he said. " ...

Photo courtesy of US Marines.

Lean SixSigma Supports Tenneco Margins ...

Tenneco is reaping benefits from lean manufacturing and Six Sigma to manage operational efficiency and support margins. ...

Lean SixSigma Supports Tenneco Margins: Via Tenneco Automotive: TENNECO AUTOMOTIVE REPORTS RECORD THIRD QUARTER REVENUE AND NET INCOME ...

... "The company's gross margin decreased 1.2 percentage points year-over-year to 18.9%. Gross margin was negatively impacted by higher steel costs, fuel surcharges on transportation costs and a shifting business mix between Europe and North America, and between OE and aftermarket businesses. Additionally, resolution of the OE customer issue mentioned above reduced gross margin. These factors offset savings and improved efficiencies from Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma and other cost reduction initiatives. Total steel cost increases in the third quarter were $33 million, which were largely offset by the company's cost reduction efforts, including SGA&E restructuring savings, material cost savings, Six Sigma program savings and Lean manufacturing efficiencies as well as steel cost recovery from OE and aftermarket customers. Based on the company's efforts to offset increased steel costs and trends in the steel market, the company doesn't currently anticipate a significant year-over-year impact on operating results through the remainder of 2005. " ...

Kaizen Focus: Lean and Efficient

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

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

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

Lean SixSigma Improves Processes

Outgoing IMA director has leadership vision for adopting Lean Six Sigma methodology to drive operational efficiency. Ned Christensen writes about outgoing director Maj. Gen. Ronald L. Johnson of the Installation Management Agency. ...

Lean SixSigma Improves Processes: Via Leavenworth Lamp: Outgoing IMA chief cites progress ...

... "And he actively pushed business process redesign and the Lean Six Sigma model to find efficiencies and improve processes. " ...

Six Sigma Programme: British Bank Profits ...

Six Sigma programme is showing success at British bank, Lloyds TSB. Profits are growing and margins are expanding due to operational efficiency gains ...

Six Sigma Programme: British Bank Profits: Via Financial Times: Show some respect for a solid British bank ...

... "Investments into the Six Sigma programme are paying off in improved efficiency costs are growing at a slower pace than revenues, resulting in operating profits growth exceeding revenue growth - operating leverage, the beauty of a banking business. " ...

EliLilly SixSigma Operational Efficiency Program

Lilly unleashes a portfolio of Six Sigma improvement projects, staffed by Black Belts, to identify and root out inefficiencies in its quest for operational excellence. Jeff Swiatek explores the Six Sigma program at pharmaceutical manufacturer, Eli Lilly, in the article below ....

Via IndyStar.com: Lilly breaks out the black belts ...

... "Since March, Lilly has let loose 200 trained employees, armed with the principles of Six Sigma and dubbed black belts, to tackle some of the stickier operational challenges the Indianapolis drug maker faces. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Toyota TPS: Customer Focus

Many lean manufacturing and Six Sigma programs focus on operational efficiency, however value add to the customer should be the key focus ...

Lean Manufacturing: Toyota TPS: Customer Focus: Via Saferpak.com: Lean Definitions ...

... "The key thrust of lean is to identify those activities that add value to the end customer and those that consume resources and create no value. The elimination of this wasted time and effort can bring about dramatic improvement and substantial benefits to both customer and organisation. " ...

SixSigma PAT Process Analytic Technology

SixSigma PAT Process Analytic Technology: Via Irish Developer Network: Factory efficiency,pharmaceutical opportunity ...

Joanne Kelly explores the opportunity for operational efficiency in the pharmaceutical industry and how Lean Six Sigma and process analytic technology PAT is being leveraged for success in pharma manufacturing processes ...

... "leading pharmaceutical manufacturers are beginning to adopt proven best practice methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma. These quality management techniques are being combined with new Process Analytic Technologies (PAT) to improve quality on the factory floor. " ...

Additional references on PAT process analytic technologies:

Process Analytical Technology tools, via the FDA:

There are many current and new tools available that enable scientific, risk-managed pharmaceutical development, manufacture, and quality assurance. These tools, when used within a system can provide effective and efficient means for acquiring information to facilitate process understanding, develop risk-mitigation strategies, achieve continuous improvement, and share information and knowledge.

Process Analytical Software PAT, via Symbion:

On-Line Process Analysis: The Symbion-DX and RX software suites were designed from the start to meet all of the established requirements of on-line process analysis. These include sample system design and control, operation of diverse instruments, extraction of process variable information from raw data, real time trending of multiple streams, system diagnostics, alarming, remote communications, historical data analysis, and archiving of data in a local or remote SQL database.

PAT Process Analytical Technology and Automated Chemistry, via Mettler Toledo:

Process Analytical Technology (PAT) is playing an increasingly important role in manufacturing processes, where it affects applications from raw material identification through packaging. PAT is also affecting techniques from traditional light spectroscopy to particle characterization techniques.

Lean Six Sigma Methodology: Kaizen Competition

Lean Six Sigma Methodology: Kaizen Competition: Via Solectron: Solectron Drives Lean Six Sigma Manufacturing to its Suppliers: First Annual Award Judges Include Lean author, Jim Womack and Toyota Production System Expert Chichiro Nakao-San ...

Solectron drives operational efficiency through kaizen competition using its own flavor of the Lean Six Sigma Methodology ...

... "Solectron announced the Penang, Malaysia, facility as the winner of Solectron's first annual Global SPS Kaizen Competition. SPS is the company's industry-leading Lean Six Sigma methodology for continuous manufacturing improvement in quality and efficiency. Solectron employees have completed more than 5,000 Kaizens, a Japanese term that means continuous improvement, this year throughout its global operations. ... Entries for the contest were submitted from over 50 Solectron sites around the world. From those entries, 11 finalists from Europe, Asia and the Americas gathered in San Jose, Calif., to recognize the winner. Judges included Jim Womack, founder of the Lean Enterprise Institute and co-author of Lean Thinking and Chichiro Nakao-San, who spent over 30 years at Toyota Corporation refining its ground-breaking manufacturing methodology. ... Solectron's 2005 Supplier Day formally launched Solectron's Lean supplier program, which forms the foundation of Solectron's vision to deliver competitive supply chain solutions to its customers. The one-day event included breakout sessions on Lean 101, an introduction to the Solectron Production System; Solectron's Lean supply chain program; an overview of increasing customer value through design and engineering for Lean production; and Lean deployment from a supplier perspective. " ...

Solectron provides a full range of global manufacturing and supply-chain management services to the world's premier high-tech companies. Solectron's offerings include new-product design and introduction services, materials management, product manufacturing, and product warranty and end-of-life support. The company is based in Milpitas, Calif., and had sales from continuing operations of $11.64 billion in fiscal 2004.

Six Sigma Process Efficiency Effectiveness

Six Sigma Efficiency Effectiveness: Via Ingersoll-Rand: Ingersoll-Rand Describes Progress in Executing its Strategy at the Morgan Stanley Industrials Conference ...

... "Through the execution of our strategy, we are building a company with the industry and market diversification, operational excellence and enterprise leverage to deliver solid financial results throughout the economic cycle, said Henkel. The elements of this strategy include a focus on generating total and recurring revenue growth by developing customer-pleasing innovations, services and solutions; implementing bolt-on acquisitions of businesses that extend our geographic footprint, product technologies and manufacturing capability; and enhancing our operational efficiency and effectiveness through lean manufacturing, six sigma processes and continuous improvement efforts. " ...

Ingersoll-Rand is a global provider of products, services, and integrated solutions to industries as diverse as transportation, manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. The company brings to bear a 100-year-old heritage of technological innovation to help companies be more productive, efficient, and innovative. Examples include cryogenic refrigeration that preserves agricultural produce worldwide, biometric security systems for airports, corporations, and government facilities, the efficient harnessing of air to drive tools and factories, and versatile, compact vehicles for construction and efficient movement of people and goods. In every line of business, Ingersoll-Rand enables companies and their customers to make progress possible.