Six Sigma Facility Flow

Bell Helicopter opens supply center in Canada that incorporates design features based on Six Sigma principles. ...

... "The layout of the new facility, combined with the incorporation of Six Sigma into our processes, has greatly improved our efficiency, and reduced the amount of floor space within which we function. " ...

Via Vertical Magazine: Calgary Supply Center

Performance Improvement Breakthrough Services By Milliken

Milliken & Company forms a dedicated business group to provide Performance Improvement Services to the manufacturing sector. The new group is called Milliken Performance Solutions and will serve customers from the company's Spartanburg, South Carolina headquarters. Milliken is one of the largest privately-held textile and chemical manufacturers in the world. ...

... "The formation of Milliken Performance Solutions will expand these services to support companies outside of Milliken's traditional base and will report to Craig Long, Vice President of Six Sigma and Quality. The Milliken Performance System is a daily management system that provides a systematic, step by step method of running any operation more effectively and efficiently. The system is in place at over 60 plants worldwide and can support both discrete and continuous process manufacturing plants. The system overcomes the limitations of conventional Lean Six Sigma programs by providing a more comprehensive approach that leads to dramatic breakthroughs in cost reduction, higher morale, increased customer satisfaction, and a cleaner safer environment. " ...

Via Milliken & Company: New Business Line Provides Performance Improvement Services

Five-9s Availability Achieved Through Six Sigma Discipline

EMC uses Six Sigma methodology to drive availability improvements in its products to five-9s performance levels. ...

... "Traditionally, only high-end storage systems designed for the most mission-critical applications have delivered Five 9s availability. EMC designed an entirely new midrange architecture - UltraScale - to deliver the highest levels of availability in affordable, scalable and easy-to-use systems that meet a wide range of storage needs. Over the past year, EMC utilized a comprehensive Six Sigma-based approach to track and calculate availability metrics of both the Fibre Channel and Fibre Channel/iSCSI versions of the EMC CLARiiON CX3 UltraScale systems, including a thorough analysis of the root cause of unplanned customer system downtime whether hardware, software or process-related. " ...

Via EMC: EMC Clariion CX3 Ultrascale Systems Achieve Highest Midrange Storage Availability and Quality Benchmark

Financial Services Business Process Improvement Use SixSigma

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

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

Via Bank Systems and Technology: Bank Process Improvement

ITIL SixSigma Converge For IT Services

It is expected that Six Sigma will integrate with ITIL in the continuous improvement of IT services. ...

... "Hydrasight foresees that the majority of enterprises will continue to mix aspects of ITIL with other process disciplines (e.g., COBIT, Six Sigma, SDLC, ASL, and internally-developed procedures). " ...

Via IT-Director: ITIL Six Sigma Convergence

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

Minitab Recognized For Six Sigma in Manufacturing

Minitab is recognized by Frost and Sullivan with its Award for Customer Value Leadership of the Year in the quality compliance, manufacturing productivity and statistical process control market. ...

... "Using the Minitab packages, customers have been able to achieve a greater degree of standardization in their quality improvement projects, which in turn has made these projects easy to supervise and manage. This has minimized the amount of resources required to complete individual projects and saved companies time and money at the overall project level. In addition to reducing costs, Minitab software has enabled project leaders to easily access more information at various crucial stages of a project, allowing them to make more informed decisions. Minitab's wide set of customer services and allied support activities are other competitive advantages that differentiate it from other participants. The company boasts of a strong technical support suite that provides free assistance to its users and helps identify customers' most recent requirements, thereby obtaining their confidence. Minitab's recently released Minitab(R) 15 Statistical Software includes very useful enhancements, such as probability distribution plots, broader Gage R&R capabilities, the ability to attach formulas to columns in the worksheet and the latest reliability methods for forecasting future warranty claims. " ...

Via Frost & Sullivan: Frost & Sullivan Extols Minitab Inc. for Its Ability in Assisting Customers to Make Optimum Utilization of their Resources

Project Charter: Lean Six Sigma Approach For Smart Operations

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

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

Air Force Work Process Improvement

LeanSixSigma Persists Even On Earnings Dips

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

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

Via Louisiana-Pacific Corporation: First Quarter 2007 Results

Six Sigma Organizational Effectiveness

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

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

Via Global Services: Organizationl Effectiveness

Value Engineering Award to Northrop Grumman For Lean Principles

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

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

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

Workforce Involvement in Lean Six Sigma Program

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

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

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

Voice of Customer: Key to Continuous Improvement and Innovation

Do continuous improvement programs stifle innovation? Not if they embrace the voice of the customer and leverage customer input in the product development process. Marketplace competition increasingly involves new value chains that require collaboration across enterprises. ...

... "Whatever the process, be it Stage-Gate, Six Sigma, the Lean Methodology, or a combination thereof, the concept of continuous improvement is generally at its core. The best industrial innovators, irrespective of their size, constantly ask themselves questions such as: What do our customers want? " ...

Via E-Commerce News: Customer Feedback

Six Sigma Thought Process Pervades Employee Culture

Small companies can have success with Six Sigma through using its DMAIC process to guide employee behaviors and thought process. ...

... "Your company may be math-challenged and the thought of doing anything with statistics may put you to sleep, but don't throw out the baby with the bathwater. Through the Six Sigma DMAIC thought process, you can involve employees in reaching company goals. " ...

Via Inc: Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing Guidelines

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

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

Via RFID Journal: Killdeer Mountain Manufacturing

Operations Center Excellence Through Lean SixSigma Quality Process

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

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

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

SixSigma Benefit Realization: Detail Tangible Benefits

Six Sigma discipline can be used to drive tangible benefits from IT investments. This can be enabled by a robust program for benefits realization that ensures that the benefits articulated in the business case are achieved. ...

... "The process is an amalgamation of this company's rich history in Six Sigma and their belief that technology can revolutionize their industries, core business processes, and internal functions. " ...

Via Optimize Magazine: Benefit Realization

SixSigma Supports Capacity Increase at Dow

Dow Chemical leverages Six Sigma to optimize its production operations through less capital-intensive solutions to capacity. ...

... "Mady Bricco, global product director, Propylene Oxide and Propylene Glycols: To meet rising demand, we will expand our PG production at Stade through two expansion projects and have optimized operations at our other facilities, through Six Sigma, technology enhancements, process automation and other improvements. We are pleased that we were able to identify these low-capital solutions to meet our customers' demands and support the growth of downstream businesses. " ...

Via Dow Chemical: Dow Announces Increased Global PO and PG Capacity

iGrafx Software For Six Sigma Business Process Improvement

iGrafx releases 2007 version of its solutions for process excellence, that enhances modeling, simulation, mapping, and Lean Six Sigma support. ...

... "Improved Lean and Six Sigma Support: iGrafx 2007 offers great new features for Lean users including the ability to create Extended Value Stream Maps to obtain a lean view that crosses plant, divisional, and company boundaries. Six Sigma enthusiasts, on the other hand, will use the new Prioritization and Failure Mode Spreadsheets to spotlight improvement opportunities and mitigate failure mode effects faster. Users will also be able to define and scope Six Sigma projects, and identify progress towards process goals with the use of iGrafx Process Central repository. " ...

Via iGrafx: iGrafx 2007 Product Suite Enables Enterprise Business Process Improvement

Warranty Chain Management Enables SixSigma Defect Reduction

Trane uses HP and PolyVista warranty chain management solution to rapidly identify product quality and warranty-related issues through automated early detection and root cause analysis. ...

... "The solution, which was up and running in eight weeks, helps Trane quickly identify product quality and warranty-related issues through automated early detection and root cause analysis. After correcting any current issue detected by the solution, manufacturing teams at Trane can pass the information on to the design or engineering teams to help avoid problems in future products, as well as to vendors and suppliers to help improve long-term product reliability. Through this process, the solution offers reduced warranty costs, improved product development, sourcing and manufacturing processes, and better customer satisfaction. " ...

Via HP: Warranty Chain Management Early Warning System For Defects

Lean Six Sigma Creates Value at Local Firms

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

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

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

Select Continuous Improvement Program to Compete Globally

Embrace continuous improvement to compete effectively in your industry and marketplace. Be prepared to staff a program management office and support the culture change necessary for a lean manufacturing or Six Sigma journey. Business process focus comes first. But, software systems can support change, automation, reduction of manual efforts. ...

... "Six Sigma uses statistical analysis to reduce variation. By reducing variation, the probability of producing a defect is less. " ...

Via IndustryWeek: Which Continuous Improvement Program Is Appropriate For Your Enterprise?

IMMI Lean Six Sigma Transformation

At recent ARC conference, the Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma transformation at IMMI was discussed. ...

... "Lean process improvement and Six Sigma are supported with their IT systems (Oracle EBS). Now, Lean extends to all the production lines, material handling, shipping, warehouse, receiving, and inspection. Lean created new business opportunities for IMMI. " ...

Via ARC Advisory Group: IMMI Lean Six Sigma

Six Sigma Customer Interactions

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

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

Via Covad: Covad to Present at 2007 Outsourcing World Summit

Solectron Lean Manufacturing Success at Guadalajara

Solectron Corporation's Guadalajara, Mexico facility wins the 2007 Shingo Business Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing. Solectron Guadalajara is recognized for demonstrating Lean Six Sigma leadership through operational and process improvements in quality, productivity and efficiency. ...

... "Underscoring the customer value of the Solectron Production System(TM), Solectron's Lean Six Sigma manufacturing methodology, Solectron Guadalajara demonstrated manufacturing excellence, including a significant focus on continuous improvement processes. The entire facility and its employees operate within the company-wide Kaizen culture of continuous improvement, which is at the heart of the Solectron Production System, or SPS. SPS helps OEMs improve quality and efficiency, reduce waste, lower cost and improve flexibility. " ...

Via Solectron: Solectron Receives Prestigious Shingo Award for Lean Manufacturing Excellence ...

Legal Process: Six Sigma

Six Sigma is used in the legal process to streamline the management of intellectual property while accelerating innovation. ...

... "Use procedures such as Six Sigma, a technique to identify and drive out variations in procedures. International Truck and Engine hired a contract intellectual-property lawyer and trained him in Six Sigma. He creatively improved the company's patent process. " ...

Via Law: Creativity

SixSigma Process Projects

Firm hires talent to manage client Six Sigma projects. ...

... "Praxilient Inc. has hired Ted Storin, Mike Streno and Bruce Brooks. They will manage Six Sigma Process projects, enterprise project management projects and technology projects for Praxilient's clients. " ...

Via Appleton Post-Crescent: Read

VP SixSigma Quality Process

Metaldyne makes leadership appointment. Metaldyne is a leading global designer and supplier of metal-based components, assemblies and modules for transportation related powertrain and chassis applications. ...

... "Dickerson will lead Metaldyne's quality initiatives and the company's focus on Six Sigma, including implementing process improvements in key operational areas. In this role he will also work closely with his counterparts at Metaldyne's parent company, Asahi Tec Co., Ltd., to support synergies in the areas of safety, MOS, quality, launch, product lifecycle management, material procurement and logistics. Metaldyne recently was acquired by the Shizuoka, Japan-based chassis and powertrain component supplier, which does business in the passenger car/light truck and medium/heavy truck segments." ...

Via Metaldyne: Metaldyne Appoints Steve Dickerson Vice President, Quality, Six Sigma and Process ...

Lombardi LeanSixSigma Business Process Management BPM Webinar

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

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

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

Six Sigma Expertise Improves Acquisition Synergy

Chemtura completes acquisition of Kaufman Holdings Corporation. CEO expects synergies from products, processes, and systems. Chemtura uses Six Sigma to improve manufacturing processes and also to improve finance, accounting, marketing, procurement and other business processes. More than 1000 Chemtura employees are trained in Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing techniques. ...

... "Chemtura Chairman and CEO Robert L. Wood: Our existing Petroleum Additives / Lubricants business is core to our growth, and Hatco and Anderol fit in well with this business. There are related product offerings in key customer areas, as well as the opportunity to strengthen alliances with major suppliers. There may be distribution synergies as well, benefiting our global customers, he said. Chemtura will add industry expertise, Six Sigma-based products and processes, and new information technology systems that will benefit Kaufman customers. " ...

Via Chemtura: Chemtura Completes Acquisition of Kaufman Holdings Corporation

Patient Care Improvement Through Six Sigma

Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen is ranked number one in the US for treatment of heart failure, by the federal government. Six Sigma is their ingredient for success. Valley Baptist is one of the first health care organizations in the country to use the Six Sigma quality improvement program to maximize performance and customer satisfaction. Valley Baptist extends many of its services beyond its facilities and into local communities. ...

... "Valley Baptist was able to improve patient care for heart failure and heat attack patients through a process improvement program called Six Sigma. The Six Sigma method was pioneered in high-tech companies such as General Electric, with Valley Baptist being one of the first organizations in the nation to apply the program to health care. Under the leadership of its President and CEO James Springfield, Valley Baptist has made Six Sigma quality one of its top corporate initiatives in order to maximize performance and patient satisfaction throughout the health system. A total of 115 top-performing hospitals in the country will receive reward bonuses for their performance. Valley Baptist in Harlingen will receive $140,951 because of its performance in treating heart failure management and heart attack patients. " ...

Via Valley Baptist: Valley Baptist-Harlingen Ranked #1 in Nation for Heart Failure Management; Six Sigma Leads to Improvements ...

Healthcare Six Sigma Scorecard

Firms partner to control escalating health care costs through a Six Sigma program that streamlines administrative processes to lower health care costs for patients. ...

... "Drawing on a methodology called Six Sigma, used by manufacturing and other industries for eliminating procedural deficiencies, BJC HealthCare and UnitedHealthcare established a project team to identify areas for billing and payment process enhancements. The team is using Barnes-Jewish Hospital as the pilot site, examining every step of the health care process - from physician services to claims processing - to remove inefficiencies and associated costs. Using Six Sigma practices as a model, the project team has developed a scorecard to monitor progress and ensure proper implementation of the team's recommended solutions. After nine months of work, the project team's first phase was completed in the fall of 2006. BJC plans to implement the team's recommendations at all 13 of its hospitals. " ...

Via UnitedHealthcare: BJC HealthCare and UnitedHealthcare Partner to Streamline Administrative Processes and Lower Health Costs

Plant Reliability: Six Sigma FMEA

Reliability excellence builds on simple foundation of Six Sigma concepts, such as failure mode and effects analysis ...

... "Patterned after Six Sigma, the concept of reliability excellence includes tools specifically designed to identify and manage risks, including environmental, health and safety. The process begins with a thorough simplified failure modes and effects analysis (SFMEA). " ...

Via Plant Services: Reliability