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

Better Management Through Lean Six Sigma

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

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

Via Nova Scotia Business Journal: Six Sigma results

Operational Turnaround through Six Sigma Excellence

Vertis Communications reports its fiscal results and describes its turnaround plan which includes the use of lean and Six Sigma methods to drive operational excellence. ...

... "The Company implemented a turnaround plan in early 2007 involving new management and a multi-faceted turnaround strategy that includes:

1) gaining a better understanding of customer's expectations and a commitment to exceed those expectations via our Customers Delight Initiatives;

2) establishing a platform of operational excellence driving improved quality, service and efficiency via a re-engineered manufacturing system based on lean and six sigma; and

3) enhancing management processes throughout the Company.

The turnaround initiatives are beginning to show results ... " ...

Via Vertis Communications: Vertis Reports 2007 Fourth Quarter and Full-Year Results

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

6 Sigma Healthcare Study Shows Benefits

Healthcare association sees benefits from the application of Six Sigma methods to identify the critical levers for patient care. ...

... "In a retrospective study, Ms. Gamerdinger and colleagues from Mercy Medical Center evaluated the outcomes of a Six Sigma performance improvement project focused on compliance with JCAHO CAP Core Measures to ensure that each measure of care was met. Utilizing Six Sigma methodology, researchers identified critical processes and key stakeholders in patient care and utilized specific tools for process flow, cause/effect matrices, and outcomes analysis. The hospital also dedicated several full-time positions to the new methodology and trained more than 100 individuals in the Six Sigma program. When deviations from the Six Sigma protocol occurred, timely feedback was provided to care providers. After program implementation, researchers collected and analyzed data related to core measures, length of stay, and mortality in 1,550 patients with CAP admitted to the hospital during the study period. Results indicated that compliance scores for each JCAHO Core Measure improved from 70% to over 90%. CAP order usage improved from 40 %to 73%, yielding an 82.5% increase. Mean length of stay was reduced from 5.9 days to 5.1 days, a 13.56% reduction, which was associated with over $300,000 in cost savings. By the end of the study period, in-hospital mortality rates also decreased from 6.7% to 3.5%, a 47.8% reduction. " ...

6 Sigma decreases mortality in hospitalized patients

Six Sigma Green Belt Workshop in November

Empire State TAPPI and National Grid are offering a Six Sigma Green-Belt Workshop on November 14-16, 2007 in Albany, New York. ...

... "This comprehensive three-day workshop teaches the components in the American Society of Quality Green-Belt Body of Knowledge (BOK). If you are interested in increasing your profit and enhancing your competitive position, Six-Sigma provides the process to enable rapid implementation for quick, tangible results. This workshop also provides 24 PDHs (Professional Development Hours.) All course materials are provided. This highly-interactive course combines lecture, class participation, group exercises, case studies, and more. " ...

Via TAPPI: Green-Belt Workshop

Raytheon Six Sigma Enables Talent Change

Raytheon Company facilitates change using Six Sigma techniques. ...

... "It is amazing to see how the powerful combination of committed stakeholders and the Raytheon Six Sigma process produces tangible results in documenting system changes and actions required to truly remove long and short-term barriers for people with disabilities to be competitively employed, said Larry Harrington, Raytheon's vice president of Internal Audit, who participated in the event. "We now have the ability to absolutely change the lives of people with disabilities nationwide by creating a model for employers large and small to tap into this unique pool of talented workers. A team of Raytheon Six Sigma(TM) experts used the Raytheon Six Sigma process to validate and prioritize issues, determine root causes of barriers and identify and document optimal system changes and implementation actions required to truly remove barriers for people with disabilities to be competitively employed. " ...

Via Raytheon: Employment Paths for People with Disabilities

Cost Reduction Program Yields Results

Standard Register implements cost reduction program to compete effectively in its industry. ...

... "Earlier this year, the Company consolidated its manufacturing and warehousing operations in a move expected to save approximately $5 million annually. Today's action eliminated approximately 250 positions, primarily in management and overhead, representing $22 million annually in compensation and related costs. Other new initiatives that target purchasing costs and other non-compensation expenditures are expected to lower costs by an additional $13 million annually. These actions, including the earlier restructuring, are expected to reduce second half 2007 costs by $15 million versus the levels incurred in the first six months of the year. The remaining balance of the $40 million in annual savings is expected next year. Separation costs associated with today's restructuring are estimated at $3.5 million, which will be recorded in the third quarter. " ...

Via Standard Register: Cost Reduction

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

Total Quality Index for Automotive Customer Satisfaction

Hyundai achieves recognition in the Total Quality Index for customer satisfaction. ...

... "Hyundai produced the most segment leaders of any automotive manufacturer, according to Strategic Vision's Total Quality Index(TM) (TQI), which measures total vehicle satisfaction among new car owners. Clinching the top spot in three distinct vehicle segments is a first for Hyundai. The Strategic Vision results released today placed the Hyundai Azera sedan atop the large car segment, the Entourage (tied with the Kia Sedona and Nissan Quest) in the top spot for the minivan segment and the Santa Fe on top in the small sport utility vehicle (SUV) segment. " ...

Premier Customer Satisfaction Survey

IBM Lean Organization Changes

IBM deploys lean into its enterprise, which results in some pruning of the organization. ...

... "IBM, however, confirms that Lean is simply a Six Sigma business practices effort that has nothing to do with layoffs. Lean is a collection of Six Sigma business processes used by a number of leading companies to improve speed, quality and responsiveness to customers ... " ...

Via The Register: IBM Redefines With Lean

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

Goodyear SixSigma Cost Savings Ambitions

Goodyear increases cost-savings targets in an ambitious plan to transform the company's profitability, through Six Sigma and other creative methods. ...

... "Based on the significant progress we made in 2006 against our four-point cost-savings plan, I am confident we will exceed our 2008 target of more than $1 billion, Keegan said. We are aggressively targeting additional cost savings in 2009 and raising our gross cost savings goal over this four-year period to between $1.8 billion and $2 billion. " ...

Via Goodyear Tire: First Quarter Results Provide Platform for Growth, Cost Savings

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

Lean Program Expansion Supports Increased Cash Flow at Sealy

Sealy reports good performance in its first quarter. An increase in costs was offset by continued improvements in manufacturing efficiencies, through its lean program. ...

... "This, combined with the start-up of our new domestic latex facility, the further integration of the new North American management team, and the expansion of our lean manufacturing program, should allow Sealy to continue to grow its market share and cash flow. " ...

Via Sealy Inc.: First Quarter Fiscal 2007 Results

Moto Malaysia Recognized Six Sigma Knowledge Work

Motorola Technology Sdn Bhd is awarded the Penang Chief Minister's K-ICT Award 2007 for best practices in developing knowledge workers at its manufacturing operations. The Malaysian site has built its workforce on a foundation of Six Sigma quality principles, enabling its employees to transform into knowledge work. ...

... "Through the Knowledge Worker Development Award, Motorola was recognized for its initiatives in promoting effective use of ICT as a tool for its communications and training programmes so as to accomplish key organizational action plans and needs, and develop its employees' potential to achieve the company's objectives. Motorola was able to clinch the prestigious award based on its successful implementation of the Motorola Digital Six Sigma / Quality IQ initiative from 2001 - 2006. Some of the significant results achieved by the implementation of the Motorola Digital Six Sigma/Quality program were the strengthening of its competitiveness, improvements to the overall quality of its business operations, and the transformation of manual labor to become a more knowledge based workforce. In addition, Motorola recorded savings of approximately USD30 million over 230 engineering based projects implemented since 2001. The implementation of Motorola Digital Six Sigma/Quality program has also progressively increased the number of its knowledge workers at various levels from 20% to 46% and generated over 2,300 internal engineering patent submissions that were solutions made in Malaysia.
" ...

Via Motorola Malaysia: Motorola Receives the Prestigious Penang Chief Minister K-ICT Award 2007

Six Sigma Maturity Model Results

Instantis makes the results of study on Six Sigma adoption patterns and maturity levels available. ...

... "A key goal of the Six Sigma maturity model study was to provide Six Sigma practitioners with real-world data from their peers regarding Six Sigma deployment critical success and failure factors across industries. A further goal was to validate and further refine the model in order to help guide organizations on their Six Sigma journey. The findings of the study will be incorporated into version 2.0 of the model. " ...

Instantis Publishes Results of Six Sigma Maturity Model Study

Arizona Manufacturers Think Lean

Arizona manufacturing base retools for efficiency, using lean principles to compete globally. Manufacturing leaders are recognized for their performance. ...

... "As a result, many Arizona manufacturers are working on retooling both their staffs and machinery, he said. Now they're thinking in lean manufacturing terms, he said. Is your supply chain moving things efficiently? " ...

Via EastValleyTribune: Arizona Manufacturing

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 Maintenance Supports Aerospace MRO

Lean manufacturing techniques are pervading the maintenance overhaul and repair processes of aerospace companies. Overhaul cycle time is decreasing as a results. ...

... "Pulsed moving lines, point-of-use kitting, pull systems, self-directed work cells - all the buzzwords of lean manufacturing are now being heard across commercial and military maintenance and modification. " ...

Via Flight International: Lean in Maintenance MRO Processes

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%

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 ...

Leader Recognized: LeanSixSigma Powerful Results

Lean Six Sigma leader recognized for his contributions to quality in the Asia Pacific region. ...

... "Chuck Aubrey, Vice President of Process Management and Lean Six Sigma for Anderson Packaging, Inc., was awarded the prestigious Harrington-Ishikawa Medal at the 12th Annual Asia Pacific Quality Organization Conference held October 17th - 20th in Sydney, Australia. This award was presented to Chuck in recognition of his contribution to the development of quality in the economies of countries in Asia and the Pacific Rim through writing, teaching, and consulting. Chuck was also a keynote speaker at the event. His presentation, Packaging Lean and Six Sigma Together for Powerful Results, highlights how both Anderson Packaging, Inc. and its customers have benefited from a successful Lean Six Sigma program. " ...

Via Anderson Packaging: ANDERSON 100th MEMBER OF CONTRACT PACKAGING ASSOCIATION ...

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. "

Lean Principles Take Hold

CEO remarks on third quarter performance with special emphasis on its lean transformation. ...

... "We are very pleased with our third quarter results, which represented new quarterly highs in terms of net sales and Adjusted EBITDA. Our 14.5% increase in our top line and 21.5% increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter versus a year ago were driven by improved sales execution and marketing. Additionally, our lean manufacturing principles are taking hold and helping us manage costs and improve service, said Charlie Eitel Simmons' Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. " ...

Via Simmons: Simmons Company Reports Record Third Quarter Results (PDF)

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

Aleris Six Sigma: Earnings Improvement

Aluminum products manufacturer, Aleris, sees improved margins and earnings through a combination of efforts, that include Six Sigma productivity projects and integration of acquisitions. ...

... "Contributing to the earnings increase were the 2005 acquisitions of ALSCO and certain assets of Ormet and the Corus Aluminum acquisition as well as widening scrap spreads and the favorable FIFO impact of the rising LME. In addition, the segment has continued to achieve excellent results in its Six Sigma and productivity initiatives. These factors have more than offset decreases in legacy business volumes, slightly lower rolling margins and increases in freight, paint and certain conversion costs such as labor and natural gas. " ...

Via Aleris: Aleris Reports Third Quarter Results ...

Aleris International, Inc. is a global leader in aluminum rolled products and extrusions, aluminum recycling and specification alloy production. Aleris is also a recycler of zinc and a leading U.S. manufacturer of zinc metal and value-added zinc products that include zinc oxide and zinc dust. Headquartered in Beachwood, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland, the Company operates 50 production facilities in North America, Europe, South America and Asia, and employs approximately 8,600 employees.

LMI Aerospace Lean Manufacturing Methods Improve Productivity

LMI Aerospace reports good performance in the third quarter as its lean manufacturing emphasis contributes to increased productivity in the workforce. ...

... "Ronald S. Saks, President and Chief Executive Officer of LMI Aerospace said, Our third quarter results continued a two year string of increased revenue and profits relative to comparable prior year quarters. Increasing production rates and profitable new work in the business jet, commercial aircraft and helicopter markets, as well as strong emphasis on lean manufacturing methods to improve productivity and throughput, have contributed to make 2006 the best year in our history. " ...

Via LMI Aerospace: LMI Aerospace, Inc. Announces Results for Third Quarter 2006

Improve Customer Service: Lean Initiative ...

Hawk focuses benefits of lean manufacturing on customer service levels. ...

... "We have continued to focus on a number of lean manufacturing initiatives at our friction products and precision components segments to improve our level of customer service. " ...

Via HAWK Corporation: Hawk Announces Third Quarter 2006 Results

Altra Business System: Lean Factory Projects ...

Altra implements lean projects to drive operating improvements and the results are measureable in its operating income. ...

... "The more than doubling of our operating income for both the third quarter of 2006 and the first nine months of 2006 compared to the same periods in 2005 reflects the operating improvements the management team has continued to implement which include low cost country sourcing of direct materials, lean manufacturing projects in our factories, product management initiatives to improve product line margins, and the contributions of our Hay Hall & Bear Linear acquisitions. " ...

Via Altra Industrial Motion: Altra Industrial Motion Announces Results for the Third Quarter 2006

Altra Business System Overview: "Altra Business System: Its primary objectives are to identify and eliminate waste in all areas of the facility, including the manufacturing, purchasing, and administrative processes. "

Kaizen Toyota Corolla Dependabiity ...

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

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

Via SanJose Mercury: The bestselling car ever

Microsoft CIO: GE SixSigma Disciple ...

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

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

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

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

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

Sustain Profit through Lean Initiative ...

Material Sciences Corp leverages Lean Manufacturing initiative to weather the storm in a declining sales environment. ...

... "Clifford D. Nastas, chief executive officer for Material Sciences: However, despite the sales decline, our lean manufacturing and quality improvement initiatives implemented last year, combined with higher scrap prices, enabled us to sustain gross profit. " ...

Via Material Sciences Corp: Material Sciences Corporation Announces Second Quarter Fiscal 2007 Results ...

Online Six Sigma Certification ...

Villanova offers online Six Sigma certification. ...

... "Students who complete Villanova University's online Six Sigma program can now earn industry-recognized certification from the university. A comprehensive exam - available for Green Belt, Lean Sensei or Black Belt certification -- is administered completely online, with results available immediately. Villanova is the first university to offer Six Sigma certification online. Certified professionals enjoy instant recognition, credibility and respect for their accomplishment, notes George Eckes, the best-selling Six Sigma author and consultant who teaches the online courses. " ...

Via Villanova University: Villanova University Launches Industry's First Online Six Sigma Certification ...

Six Sigma Opportunity Software ...

Software prioritizes Six Sigma project opportunities by financial benefit by collecting data from plant systems. ...

... "Hagen & Co., a leading provider of software and services for manufacturing and process improvement, has introduced True Opportunity software – the world's first dollar-based manufacturing performance reporting system. True Opportunity software is ideal for Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), Six Sigma, and Lean Manufacturing applications and is the only solution that calculates the true profit potential of an organization's manufacturing operations. In addition, the solution also breaks down this total extra profit opportunity by reason, allowing an organization to focus on the problems or opportunities tha