Supply Chain Make Function: Manufacturing Operations

Managing the Supply Chain

Walmart Green Supply Chain Will Target Manufacturing and Raw Materials

to drive goal eliminating 20 million metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions from its global supply chain. Walmart will implement a program to drive action in the supply chain processes. ...

... "Action -- For a project to be included as part of this goal, it must reduce GHGs from a product in either the sourcing of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, customer use or end-of-life disposal. Walmart must demonstrate it had direct influence on the reduction and show how that reduction would not have occurred without Walmart’s participation. " ...

Via Walmart Stores: http://bit.ly/daVXIu

Integrated Supply Chain Shorter

The economic crunch has caused supply chains to be better optimized for the future. ...

... "Experts believe the networks that emerge will be better prepared for future economic shocks: shorter, more integrated and fairer to suppliers. " ...

Via Financial Times: Supply chains

Lenovo Lean Six Sigma Cost Improvement

Lenovo operating performance is strong and the company deals with market demand shifts using Lean and Six Sigma to drive operational efficiencies in the supply chain. ...

... "The PC market continued to experience customers shifting in greater numbers from desktop to laptop PCs, and accordingly, Lenovo has implemented Lean Six Sigma throughout its global supply chain, and worked closely with our suppliers, to deliver end-to-end cost improvements. " ...

Via Lenovo: THIRD QUARTER 2009/10 RESULTS (PDF)

Internal Supply Chain Planning Improvement

Harsco Corp selects IBM to lead its business transformation initiative that will create an intelligent supply chain built on operational excellence. ...

... "IBM will perform an analysis to determine where improvements in Harsco's supply chain can be made. IBM will then develop the roadmap for a fully integrated supply chain that encompasses sourcing, procurement, logistics, planning (demand and supply), inventory and order management, and cash management. Work is scheduled to begin this month with IBM teams in place at Harsco's headquarters. " ...

Via IBM: Global Supply Chain Initiative

Substance Tracking Six Sigma Initiatives

Actio's new version of Regulator improves capabilities for manufacturers to automate screening of raw materials at the product and substance level, enabling disciplined chemical inventory management. ...

... "Actio Regulator allows manufacturers to reduce harmful emissions by tracking and monitoring precise, standardized measurements of all hazardous or suspicious ingredients in mixtures, parts or components – down to the substance level. Actio solutions help companies towards Corporate Social Responsibility by inciting best practices resulting from visible, collaborative, rational chemical handling, managing supply chain materials data, and streamlining material disclosure processes. These and other Six Sigma initiatives mitigate risk and drive companies toward leaner operations as well as corporate sustainability objectives. " ...

Via Actio Corp: Actio Regulator

Accelerated Lean Supply Chain

Furniture Brands experiences poor financial results in its latest quarter and will focus on leaning its supply chain using a number of levers. ...

... "Key elements of our supply chain initiatives include centralized purchasing of raw materials and supplies, accelerated implementation of Lean manufacturing practices, improved sales and operations planning, better management of third-party manufacturing through FBN Asia, outsourcing of domestic freight carriers for several brands, and consolidation of distribution centers. " ...

Via CNN Money: Furniture Brands International

Lean Supply Chain Aligns with Sustainability

Lean and sustainable practices are aligned and delivering positive progress in the supply chain. ...

... "Supply-chain people trained in the gospel of lean production have always tried to eliminate waste, scrap and empty miles, so forgive their quizzical expressions when you challenge them to cut carbon emissions--they've already been at it for decades. " ...

Via Forbes: Supply Chain

At Platinum Supplier Six Sigma Principles Boost Performance Excellence

Evans Capacitor has achieved Platinum-level preferred supplier at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control which enables a world-class supply chain built on excellence and a culture of continuous improvement. Evans Capacitor has progressed through each successive category - Silver, Gold and Platinum - as the company demonstrated higher levels of performance excellence. ...

... "Evans Capacitor entered the Preferred Supplier Program at the Silver level. Since then, they have proven themselves to be a world-class supplier, ensuring 100 percent quality and on-time delivery. As a manufacturer of high density capacitors for defense and aerospace applications, Evans Capacitor is a strategic supplier that supports multiple programs in the Fire Control line of business at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. All of Evans Capacitor’s products are designed and built in-house to rigorous standards of quality and performance. Evans hybrid capacitors are used in phased array radar, laser targeting systems, avionics and other mission critical applications. Located in Rhode Island, Evans reported 2008 sales of over $10 million, and has delivered more than 1,300 components to Lockheed Martin this year. In addition to excellence in design and production, Evans employees adhere to Six Sigma principles. " ...

Via Evans Capacitor: Preferred Supplier Award from Lockheed Martin

Adapt Production Rates to Market Movements, AMR and Bombardier

American Airlines / AMR implements its business strategies in a show of strength, which has integrated supply chain impacts on the production lines of Bombardier. Bombardier's 2010 manufacturing rates could hold steady. ...

... "The potential AMR order could also help Bombardier avoid or at least minimize a planned reduction to regional jet production rates beginning in 2010. " ...

Via Wall Street Journal: Bombardier Production Cuts

Manufacturing Index Improves

Manufacturing sentiment and data shows that the decline is waning and growth is upon us. ...

... "The Institute for Supply Management, a trade group of purchasing executives, said Monday that its manufacturing index read 48.9, up from 44.8 in June. " ...

Via Yahoo! News and AP: US manufacturing

The production and new orders components of the index have the highest rate of increase. ...

Institute for Supply Management: "PMI at 48.9%. "

China Manufacturing RFID Implementation

China is investing in RFID implementation in its manufacturing sector to bolster supply chain performance. ...

... "China is also making the world’s largest investment in installing RFID throughout its factories and supply chain in order to underpin the nation’s manufacturing. " ...

Via eWeek: RFID Orders Surging

SC21 Supply Chain Lean Compatible

SC21 UK defense industry supply chain improvement embraces techniques compatible with lean methods. ...

... "Ronnie Hunt, business improvement and quality manager at Cobham Defence Communications, says SC21 provides an effective foundation for lean manufacturing. " ...

Via New Electronics: SC21 Supply Chain Improvement

Enterprise Lean Initiatives

JDA Software sees lean thinking as a model for transformation of the manufacturing enterprise and shares next-generation supply chain strategies to position for success. ...

... "Commit to Lean on an Enterprise-wide Basis: The primary goals of traditional lean manufacturing – drive out inefficiencies, reduce costs and waste, increase value and decrease variability – remain the same today. Only now these goals need to be embraced across the extended enterprise – both internally and externally with supply chain partners. In today’s dynamic business environment, virtually all operation processes are interrelated and disruptions along the extended supply chain need to be responded to quickly and in real-time. Confining lean to a single manufacturing facility or production area is not sufficient. Lean initiatives cannot work if done in isolation because changes made in siloed functional areas, such as manufacturing, distribution or transportation – or even at the local, regional or country level – can have unintended consequences that can lead to problems or increased costs in other areas. The most effective lean initiatives focus on the extended supply chain. For this reason, companies are deploying advanced modeling tools that can consider all costs and provide optimized strategies across a comprehensive supply chain network of distribution centers, plants, contract manufacturing partners, sourcing options and logistical lanes. " ...

Via JDA Software: Supply Chain Strategies to Improve Business Performance

Lean Manufacturing Requires Shop Floor Visibility

In order to operate in a lean mode, factories of the future will rely on automated data collection and shop floor visibility to sense and respond effectively to events that could lead to inefficiency or waste. ...

... "Any Lean manufacturer in order to realize wasteful use of resources and to create more value for the customer, needs an in-depth knowledge of various activities on the shop floor. " ...

Via PCQuest: Factory Future State Vision

Supply Side Lean

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

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

Via Purchasing: Halliburton Lean Six Sigma

Verbund Manufacturing Faces Supply Chain Challenge

BASF is confronted with challenges in its supply chain as its Verbund manufacturing strategy requires tight integration of processes. ...

... "Its Verbund system of linking plants so that products and byproducts from one factory can be used as raw materials for another makes it more difficult to shutter factories within the chain. " ...

Via Bloomberg: BASF Verbund

Six Sigma Supply Chain Visibility

Manufacturers will shift their strategies to more efficient supply chains and will enable Six Sigma improvement programs through line-of-sight visibility to performance. ...

... "Pike argues supply chain visibility is becoming even more critical with the merging of lean manufacturing and six sigma drivers, which seek to identify and remove the causes of defects and errors in manufacturing processes. " ...

Via Logistics, Australia: Adaptive Supply Chain

Apple Operational Efficiency

Apple's COO has implemented operating efficiencies in its manufacturing and supply chain and is on the short list as the company's next CEO. ...

... "In one instance of its inefficiency, Apple assembled notebook computers at a plant in Ireland out of parts shipped from Asia, then sent a significant portion of the finished notebooks back to Asia to be sold in that market. " ...

Via Wall Street Journal: Apple's No. 2

HAWK Lean Manufacturing Benefits Operating Income

Hawk Corporation sees strong sales and earning buoyed by its lean implementation and supply chain efficiencies. ...

... "Relative to the economy as a whole, Hawk benefited from a number of factors in achieving our third quarter and year to date results. We serve a variety of markets on a global basis, many of which have been strong this year. Additionally, we continue implementation of lean manufacturing and localization of our supply chain and production processes. We are currently monitoring the uncertainty in the financial and commodity markets and its potential effect on Hawk and our customers, but we remain dedicated to managing our business for the long-term and utilizing our strong cash position to our benefit. " ...

Via Hawk Corp: Record 2008 Third Quarter Sales, Income

Supply Chain Management Key Lever

Cisco looks to lean supply chain management to sense and respond to market demand. It will use its lean model as a competitive weapon during these challenging economic times. ...

... "Second, our supply chain management continues to be a key lever in our ability to maintain strong gross margins, while at the same time providing visibility and management of our demand planning. Over the last several years we have significantly enhanced our supply chain capabilities to better anticipate and manage demand. Our lean manufacturing model allows us to more fully optimize our supply chain inventory investment. We have enhanced processes and systems to provide increased visibility into inventory management and better responsiveness to fluctuations in demand. Over time, this has resulted in better lead times, on-time shipment predictability and improved inventory management across our supply chain. " ...

Via Cisco: Q1 Fiscal Year 2009 Performance

JIT Lean Supply Chain

Leadership appointment bring lean experience to the supply chain. ...

... "Under Ms. de Souza’s leadership, EI is developing and executing direct and indirect materials procurement strategies utilizing lean principles including JIT and Consignment as well as streamlining EI’s Supply Chain through full implementation of the SAP toolset. " ...

Via Endicott Interconnect: Jennifer de Souza

Lean Inventory Optimization

Serus and FlowVision collaborate to introduce LION (Lean Inventory Optimization Network), which is a suite of applications focused on improving visibility and creating operational efficiency in the supply chain. ...

... "LION helps customers achieve the benefits of Lean Manufacturing methodologies, including improved demand and supply chain visibility, optimized inventory levels, and improved product delivery times. LION contains embedded, proprietary, industry-leading Lean business rules and algorithms developed by FlowVision, a leading consultant on Lean and Flow manufacturing. LION is part of a comprehensive suite of Lean solutions - encompassing on-demand software, and Lean business process consulting, education and implementation and other services - offered jointly through a Serus and FlowVision partnership. " ...

Via Serus: Lean Inventory Optimization Network for High Tech Industries

Lean Supply Chain Presentation

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

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

Via Nashuatelegraph: Business Calendar

Six Sigma 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

Lean Practitioner Workshop

i2 will provide training on the lean supply chain. ...

... "i2 Technologies will offer an in-depth training workshop, Lean Manufacturing for Practitioners, June 23-26 and August 18-21 at the company's corporate headquarters in Dallas. The four-day workshop is designed for plant, material and operations managers, lean implementers and coaches, as well as production supervisors and schedulers. It will focus on proven lean transformation best practices, including process playbooks and lessons learned, all designed to provide supply chain practitioners with concrete steps to transform their operations. The workshop training includes industry examples and hands-on exercises that can be applied to their real-world planning projects. " ...

Via i2 Technologies: Training Workshops on Lean Manufacturing

Manufacturing Supply Chain Integration

Ford supply chain integration reviewed ...

S&OP Smooths Out Lean

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

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

Via Supply Chain Digest: S&OP and Lean Manufacturing

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

Six Sigma Purchase Specification

Managing the purchasing spend more efficiently can have a direct impact to the bottom line. Six Sigma methods add additional discipline. ...

... "Establishing global networks also has caused companies to look at total cost when pricing items of interest, taking into consideration the additional costs of shipping and import duty. KLM E&M takes this one step further, using Six Sigma tools to focus the specification, the demand and the various supply chain elements. " ...

Via Aviation Week: Purchasing

Lean Through The Value Stream

Lean is not just relegated to the plant floor. ...

... "If you're going to consistently beat your competition to market on this newly expanded, worldwide playing field you've got to spread Lean throughout your entire value stream. " ...

Via InformationWeek: Infor on Lean Supply Chain

Six Sigma Orange Belt: Syracuse University Training

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

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

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

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

Toyota Recognizes Kaizen Suppliers

J.B. Hunt is recognized by Toyota as its Large Carrier of the Year for 2006. ...

... "In addition, Toyota scores each carrier on its ability to embrace and culturally implement Kaizen, Toyota's methodology for continuous improvement. J.B. Hunt has taken significant steps to eliminate waste from its own operations and further improve Toyota's supply chain processes by ensuring the production facilities receive the right amount of product at the right time. This is accomplished by utilizing a unique blend of intermodal and traditional truckload movements that provide Toyota with an on-time percentage greater than 99%. " ...

Via Toyota: Toyota Recognizes J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. with the Prestigious 2006 Large Carrier of the Year Award

Microsoft Dynamics Lean Enterprise Solution

Microsoft will integrate lean techniques into its Dynamics software solution. ...

... "As a part of this new program, Microsoft announced Microsoft Dynamics Industry Solution for Lean Enterprises that will expand the core functionality of the Microsoft Dynamics AX solution. This expansion via a code acquisition from eBECS Ltd., a privately held company that delivers a complete lean enterprise solution, will enable customers to optimize processes and better connect and integrate the entire supply chain, from the customer to the supply partners, to support demand-driven operations. Microsoft Dynamics Industry Solution for Lean Enterprises will be available to customers as a separate module as part of the Advanced Management edition of Business Ready Licensing by the end of calendar year 2007, initially in English only. Microsoft plans to integrate the acquired code into the next release of Microsoft Dynamics AX and have it localized for all Microsoft Dynamics AX languages. " ...

Via Microsoft: Microsoft Dynamics Deepens Industry Investments: New acquisition, industry investments and ISV solutions certification reiterate balanced approach to delivering industry-relevant software.

JLG Lean-Six-Sigma Success Story

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

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

Via Purchasing.com: JLG Lean Six Sigma Program

Lean Supply Chain Leadership: Herman Miller

AMR Research analyst, Kevin O'Marah discusses leading companies that exhibit potential to make the Top25 Supply Chain list. Herman Miller was identified for its lean supply chain practices. Herman Miller, Inc., is a global provider of office furniture and services that create great places to work. The company's lead-time schedules are delivery promises, built on the reliability of its production and distribution systems. Its lead-time schedules range from quick-ship (10 days or less) to customer-requirements-specific lead times. ...

... "Herman Miller - A close relationship with Toyota Supplier Support Center created world-class, lean manufacturing processes, cutting lead times from eight to four or even two weeks. Its flexible business model includes real-time electronic collaboration with suppliers. " ...

Via AMR Research: Candidates for Supply Chain Top 25

Lean Supply Chain: Inherent Risks

Lean manufacturing and kanban inventory pull creates higher risks in the supply-side of the supply chain. Understand your risks and prepare for events. ...

... "Meanwhile, lean manufacturing, globalization and supplier rationalization initiatives have dramatically increased companies' exposure to the risk of supplier instability, shrunk time-to-respond, and decreased visibility. " ...

Via line56: Link

SixSigma Champion Training in January

Univ of St. Thomas in Minnesota is offering Champion training starting in January. ...

... "The University of St. Thomas Center for Business Excellence offers Six Sigma Champion Training: Making Six Sigma Happen beginning on January 10, 2007. The Six Sigma Champion certificate is for leaders in your organization interested in leveraging the power of Six Sigma Techniques. Those who interact with customers in their supply chain who are practicing Six Sigma will also find it beneficial. This program is less dependent on mathematical skills. Significant emphasis is placed on leadership skills necessary for Six Sigma Champions. " ...

Via University of St. Thomas: Six Sigma Champion Training

Visteon Lean Supply Chain

The lean supply chain at Visteon and its automotive customers can be impacted by any workforce events. ...

... "Stoppages at Visteon could bring big headaches for British car plants. ... Lean manufacturing techniques mean carmakers rarely keep large stocks of components. " ...

Via Times UK: Visteon ...

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. "

Solectron Lean Supply Chain Delayed

Solectron Cisco delay lean supply chain implementation ...

... "Solectron Corporation delays implementation of a new supply chain management program with Cisco. The company said that it expects to implement the supply chain program in the coming quarters of its fiscal 2007. " ...

Via Solectron: Link

Lean Training: UTennessee Differentiates: Go Vols ...

University of Tennessee has differentiated itself from the pack with its strengths in lean manufacturing training. The Air Force and other companies have utilized their lean training services. ...

... "when the Air Force launched its plan to implement the tenets of Lean manufacturing throughout its operations, military officials contacted UT for help in establishing training programs. UT responded with a six-month Master Process Manager course " ...

Via Supply & Demand Chain Executive: University of Tennessee to Help U.S. Air Force Improve Operations ...

Manufacturing Leader: Lean Roll-Out Experience ...

American Woodmark appoints manufacturing leader with Lean Six Sigma implementation experience. ...

... "Dunston brings a broad range of experience in manufacturing and supply chain management to American Woodmark. He comes to American Woodmark from Diamond Innovations, a leading industrial supplier to the automotive, electronics and aerospace industries, where he was vice president, Global Operations. In this position, he was tasked to significantly reduce operating costs within China, Europe and the U.S. Prior to this, he worked as vice president of operations for BBA Fiberweb, a complex fabric and laminate manufacturing company. Here he instituted the roll-out of a continuous improvement program with training in both 6-Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. " ...

Via American Woodmark: Cary Dunston Named Senior Vice President of Manufacturing, American Woodmark

Manufacturing Excellence Keynote at Engineering Conference ...

Lean manufacturing expert will keynote upcoming engineering conference. ...

... "Izzy Galicia, Vice President of Client Services for The Corporation for Manufacturing Excellence (Manex) will keynote Collaborate 2006 being held October 10th – 12th in Huntsville, Alabama. The conference is hosted by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) in partnership with the Alabama Aerospace Industry Association and the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association. Mr. Galicia and Manex are well known for their work helping enterprises transform their organizations through Lean Manufacturing. As part of a panel of industry leaders, Mr. Galicia and executives from Toyota, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman will kick off the event by sharing an industry perspective on innovative technology applications and processes, including Lean Manufacturing, supply chain integration, and workforce development. " ...

Via Manex: Shingo Award-Winning Lean Expert, Izzy Galicia, to Keynote SME Collaborate 2006 Conference ...

Manufacturing Software: Integrated Six Sigma Process

Acquisition of manufacturing software vendor: CDC Software acquires MVI Technology, whose solutions enable process manufacturers Six Sigma methods. ...

... "The MVI system is the first RPM solution specifically designed for food & beverage and consumer products industries. This innovative solution enables manufacturers to merge automated shop floor data, quality process control and manufacturing performance dashboards as part of improved visibility and continuous improvement campaigns supported by a Six Sigma process. These applications directly complement CDC Software's Ross ERP (enterprise performance management), Ross SCM (supply chain management) and Ross EPM (enterprise performance management) solutions. " ...

Via CDC Software: CDC Software Acquires MVI Technology, a Leading Provider of Real-Time Performance Management (RPM) Solutions ...

Executive Career Path: Six Sigma Manufacturing Manager

Ingersoll-Rand executive appointed. Has diverse career path that includes supply chain, information technology, and Six Sigma process improvement. ...

... "Gauld began his career in manufacturing with General Electric, where he moved though a variety of operations functions and applied his background in operations management to the development of more effective processes and systems. This focus led him to the role of manufacturing systems manager, in which he was responsible for driving Six Sigma initiatives and for implementing standardized systems across the business. He subsequently was promoted to chief information officer for GE's Electrical Distribution and Controls business. " ...

Via Ingersoll Rand: Ingersoll Rand Appoints William B. Gauld Senior Vice President, Enterprise Services ...

High-Tech Manufacturing: Lean Production Operations ...

Microsoft will focus on high-tech manufacturing focus areas and collaborate with partners and an advisory council to create lean production solutions. ...

... "The four solution areas, which include product life-cycle management, plant operations and lean manufacturing, supply chain visibility and collaboration, and sales and customer service, encompass both Microsoft platform technologies and partner solutions linked through industry standards. Microsoft built the solution areas based on feedback from industry leaders, partners and customers about the major pains facing the high-tech industry, particularly the need for improved collaboration between employees, customers and suppliers. " ...

Via Microsoft: Microsoft Tackles Global High-Tech Manufacturing Challenges, Previews Solution Areas at Inaugural Summit: Microsoft COO Kevin Turner keynotes forum of leading industry experts.

Manufacturing Software Support Lean Methods ...

Latest release of HighJump supply chain software supports lean manufacturing methods on the shop floor through touch-screen interface. ...

... "Manufacturing Execution: HighJump Manufacturing Advantage features a new, Web-based touch-screen user interface which has been optimized for the shop floor. This release also extends HighJump Manufacturing Advantage's material flow management to support lean manufacturing methods. By orchestrating the fluid movement of material through manufacturing processes, HighJump Manufacturing Advantage enables companies to meet tight production schedules without increasing inventory levels or adding labor. Material tracking and genealogy capabilities have also been enhanced to provide a greater level of inventory visibility and control of components and finished goods. " ...

Via HighJump Software: HighJump Software Extends Global Product Reach with Launch of HighJump Supply Chain Advantage Suite 9.0 ...

Manufacturing Software: Lean Integration ...

Factory Logic collaborates with the Automation and Drives Group of Siemens AG to integrate the Factory Logic Lean software into the Siemens SIPLACE manufacturing optimization solution. ...

... "Siemens will integrate the Factory Logic Lean Operations Suite (Factory Logic) into SIPLACE manufacturing optimization solutions for the global electronic assembly market. SIPLACE is the Siemens product family name for integrated hardware, software and services solutions to support the entire SMT (Surface Mount Technology) production facility. Factory Logic is a software solution designed from the ground up to support demand-driven production scheduling and pull-based supply synchronization using proven lean methods originally pioneered in the Toyota Production System (TPS). As part of SIPLACE lean manufacturing solutions, Factory Logic will enable electronics manufacturers to perform advanced production leveling and kanban/supermarket management functions in conjunction with SIPLACE SMT machines and other Siemens solution components. Factory Logic supports an integrated approach that directly links production to actual customer demand, while maintaining the stability required for consistent, reliable, waste-free factory and supply chain operations. Siemens will sell and support the Factory Logic software as an embedded component of SIPLACE solutions globally. " ...

Via Factory Logic: Siemens to Integrate Factory Logic Lean Manufacturing Software Into SIPLACE Electronics Assembly Solutions ...

Lockheed Martin Lean Six Sigma: Plant Recognized ...

Lockheed Martin manufacturing plant is ranked among best plants. The site have leveraged Lean Six Sigma to increase speed-to-market across its supply chain. ...

... "Through the implementation of Lean/Six Sigma principles, the average total production lead time on these complex systems has been reduced from 18 months to 12 months, from customer contract award to first delivery. This is significant considering the fact that lead time is driven not only by Lockheed Martin's internal processes, but also by domestic and foreign major subcontractors and suppliers, who produce critical components. Camden Operations' personnel worked closely with the supplier base to assure that manufacturing efficiencies were driven down to all levels of the supply chain. "

LOCKHEED MARTIN CAMDEN OPERATIONS NAMED ONE OF AMERICA'S TOP TEN BEST PLANTS BY INDUSTRYWEEK MAGAZINE ...

Business Process Improvement: Dell Six Sigma ...

Dell reengineers its Australian supply chain with its propriety method of Six Sigma for business process improvement. ...

... "Dell uses a re-engineering technique it calls BPI (Business Process Improvement), a combination of Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. " ...

Via Ferret: Dell upgrades local supply chain

Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Rising ...

Continuous improvement programs, such as Six Sigma, continue their growth, according to study by ARC. ...

... "The continuous improvement programs used most often by manufacturers are Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management (TQM) and Theory of Constraints (TOC). " ...

Via Supply & Demand Chain Executive: Continuous Improvement Systems Forecast to Grow 12.7 percent Annually ...

Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Rising ...

Continuous improvement programs, such as Six Sigma, continue their growth, according to study by ARC. ...

... "The continuous improvement programs used most often by manufacturers are Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management (TQM) and Theory of Constraints (TOC). " ...

Via Supply & Demand Chain Executive: Continuous Improvement Systems Forecast to Grow 12.7 percent Annually ...

Six Sigma Continuous Improvement Rising ...

Continuous improvement programs, such as Six Sigma, continue their growth, according to study by ARC. ...

... "The continuous improvement programs used most often by manufacturers are Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Quality Management (TQM) and Theory of Constraints (TOC). " ...

Via Supply & Demand Chain Executive:

Lean Transition at Cisco Continues ...

Cisco CFO discusses financials and mentions transition to lean manufacturing ...

... "Our inventory purchase commitments for Q4 were $2.0B, as compared with $1.7B for Q3, and $954M for Q4 of the prior fiscal year. The year-over-year increase reflects the inclusion of $295 million of purchase commitments for Scientific-Atlanta and the continuing transition to the lean manufacturing model. The rise in purchase commitments is also due to higher backlog on a year-over-year basis, and longer lead times in the broader supply chain. In response to longer lead times, we have increased our purchase commitments of certain component items for targeted, high-demand products such as the CRS-1, 12000 series routers, and Catalyst 6000 switches. " ...

Lean Transition at Cisco Continues: Via Cisco: CEO John Chambers and CFO Dennis Powell Discuss Cisco's Q4 and Year End Fiscal Year 2006 Performance ...

Kaizen Supply Chain ...

Supply chain successes discussed ...

... "Siemens changed the way it did business by adopting kaizen techniques and total quality management. This is a shining example of how changed supply chain methodologies can actually influence the bottom line and increase the company’s value. " ...

Supply Chains: Reinventions, Successes, and Failures ...

Lean Manufacturing The Dell Front Office ...

Dell's lean manufacturing prowess finally shifts to the front office as it works to simplify its pricing model. ...

... "in dealing with Dell as a customer several years ago, I was dismayed that a company that is known for its lean manufacturing operations and direct-sales model had such Byzantine ordering and customer service processes. " ...

Lean Manufacturing The Dell Front Office: Via Motley Fool: Dell Switches Pistols ...

Dell pricing model announcement:

Via Dell: Dell To Simplify Pricing, Reduce Mail-In Rebate Offers: "Dell announced it will simplify its pricing structure and promotional offers, including reducing the number of mail-in rebates on products and services it sells to consumers and small businesses in the United States. The moves — part of the company’s efforts to make buying easier and improve the overall customer experience — will occur over 12 to 18 months, beginning in August with the reduction of mail-in rebates on InspironTM notebook computers and DellTM televisions. Dell will also reduce the frequency and complexity of promotions tied to the sale of DimensionTM desktop and Inspiron notebook computers, and other products such as televisions and services. Over time, the company projects a 70 percent reduction in the number of promotions per product line and about an 80 percent reduction in the number of promotions tied to a single product. "

Dell's implementation of lean allows it to be fast and adapt to changes in its marketplace, even though its supply chain model comes with some risks. Dell has shown success in dealing with the business cycles in its industry. ...

Via Fast Company: Living in Dell Time: "Fortunately, the same ethos of speed and flexibility that seems to put Dell at the mercy of disruptions also helps it deal with them. ... "

Via Quality Mag: Get Lean and Improve Quality: "Dell Computer Corp. uses lean manufacturing to build computers. For Dell, lean manufacturing has helped them weather an economic downturn ... "

Via Lean Blog: Once Again, Dell is Not TPS: "Their factories are great examples of flow, raw material comes in one side, finished product comes out the other, with minimal WIP in between. ... "

Lean Manufacturing Practices: Enable Smith Wesson Operational Improvements ...

Smith & Wesson posts strong financial results boosted by operational improvements driven through lean manufacturing practices. ...

... "Operational Improvements: Golden added, We made notable operating improvements in our Springfield factory throughout the year in manufacturing processes, supply chain management, and lean manufacturing practices. In November 2005, improved efficiencies allowed us to return to a five-day work schedule in most of our machining operations, from the seven-day schedule we implemented in January 2005. This helped to reduce overtime expense and provides us with future capacity flexibility. Manufacturing efficiencies continued to improve throughout the fiscal year, helping to achieve the fourth quarter gross margin of 34.8%. We invested $15.6 million in the fiscal year to upgrade and purchase manufacturing equipment, geared primarily toward increasing pistol capacity and improving manufacturing processes. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Practices: Enable Smith Wesson Operational Improvements: Via Smith&Wesson: Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation Posts Record Annual Revenues ...

Lean: Agile Logistics Partner Network ...

Agile logistics is supported via a network of partners. ...

... "Since the term comes up frequently, note that agile logistics includes aspects of supply chain visibility, lean manufacturing, and collaboration among a complex network of partners. By doing this, production is improved and overall costs are minimized throughout the supply chain. " ...

Lean: Agile Logistics Partner Network: Via Defense Industry Daily: F-22 Raptor: FY 2006 Procurement & Events ...

VicePresident LeanManufacturing: Position Available ...

Get your resume updated .... Vice President position is available .... require lean manufacturing experience. ...

... "Solectron Corporation, a leading provider of electronics manufacturing and integrated supply chain services, announced the resignation of executive vice president of worldwide operations Marc Onetto, who is leaving Solectron to pursue other interests. Mike Cannon, president and CEO of Solectron, will be assuming Onetto's role on an interim basis while a search is conducted for a replacement. Marc has led the transformation of Solectron's manufacturing operations with the implementation of lean manufacturing, commented Cannon. We will continue to aggressively implement lean across the company, and thank Marc for his many contributions. " ...

VicePresident LeanManufacturing: Position Available: Via Solectron: Solectron Announces Resignation of EVP of Operations: CEO Mike Cannon to Assume Interim Role ...

Lean Manufacturing Software: Advanced Production Techniques ...

QAD lean manufacturing software enables techniques for advanced production. ...

... "VKI Technologies, based in Quebec, is deploying QAD MFG/PRO eB2 technology from California-based enterprise software provider QAD Inc., to support the company's lean manufacturing initiatives and related advanced production techniques. VKI Technologies produces coffee-brewing equipment for the North American market and licenses its patented technology to equipment manufacturers in Europe and Japan. According to Robert Primeau, director, Business Strategies and Customer Support, VKI is focused on eliminating parallel systems and expanding use of QAD software to ensure a consistent standard for enterprise operations – from finance to the factory floor and supply chain, and in the future, customer self-service. VKI's manufacturing facilities encompass several operational processes and just-in-time (JIT) techniques such as mix model assembly lines, point-of-use storage, cellular manufacturing in its sheet metal department and Kanban card-controlled production, all of which have increased the company's manufacturing flexibility and reduced its response time for specific customer orders. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Software: Advanced Production Techniques: Via QAD: VKI Technologies Brews Potential for Business Expansion with Enterprise Technology from QAD

Lean Principles: End-to-End ...

Lean principles impact end-to-end business processes across the supply chain ...

... "Pacific Scientific/EKD took the approach that lean manufacturing squeezes out non-essentials in space, material and time costs, and it squeezes out nonessential management time and effort. " ...

Lean Principles: End-to-End: Via The Manufacturer: Lean demand and supply ...

Lean ERP Software: Boeing Uses SSA ...

Boeing leverages SSA ERP to enable its lean manufacturing in the Commercial Airplanes unit. ...

... "SSA Global, a leading global provider of enterprise business software and services, announced that The Boeing Company has contracted with SSA Global to use products from the SSA ERP application suite as the enterprise resource planning solution for the Boeing Commercial Airplanes business unit. Under the five-year software and services renewal agreement signed in the first quarter of fiscal year 2006, SSA Global will continue to provide Enterprise Resource Planning software that supports Boeing's lean manufacturing and supply chain objectives. " ...

Lean ERP Software: Boeing Uses SSA: Via Boeing: Boeing Signs Multi-year Contract with SSA Global: SSA ERP products continue as core enterprise resource planning solution for Boeing Commercial Airplanes ...

Lean Manufacturing: SPC Statistical Process Control Software ...

InfinityQS launches eSPC, hosted SPC application that uses a shared, secure database to enable supply chain quality control in a lean manufacturing program. ...

... "Companies can now collect and analyze data across the enterprise—not only at separate locations, said Ralph Rio, Research Director, ARC Advisory Group. When supply chain elements are analyzed and the results shared in real time, business performance increases with a positive impact on the balance sheet, P&L statement and shareholder value. Ralph continued, Many company's continuous improvement programs, like Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma, are stalled. They need software solutions, like hosted SPC, to take their program to the next level. eSPC is fully customizable for even the most complex manufacturing environments, similar to InfinityQS' other products. Its extensive reporting capabilities allow for hundreds of customized charts and graphs, both at the plant level and the enterprise level. Its Web-based platform is always-on, allowing users to re-configure the system as often as required without interrupting performance. eSPC allows for robust system performance levels—large graphic components are downloaded to each on-site desktop client, eliminating the need for data to reload each time the displays are updated. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: SPC Statistical Process Control Software: Via InfinityQS: InfinityQS Launches eSPC: Industry Leading Statistical Process Control (SPC) Software Delivered Via the Web For Enterprise-Wide Visibility and Supply Chain Quality Management ...

Goldratt Theory of Constraints: Lean Six Sigma Fundamental ...

Per Goldratt, Lean Six Sigma is fundamental to theory of constraints implementation. ...

... "Related, I asked Goldratt how TOC related to clearly similar concepts such as Lean and Six Sigma. His answer: In almost every implementation of the Theory of Constraints, we also force in the concepts of Lean and Six Sigma. The techniques themselves are beautiful. " ...

Goldratt Theory of Constraints: Lean Six Sigma Fundamental: Via Supply Chain Digest: Dr. Eli Goldratt - Unplugged Part 2

Plant Data Integration: Six SIgma Manufacturing ...

Plant data integration with business systems needed to enable Six Sigma manufacturing sites to succeed. ...

... "These plants have been optimized, leaned, six sigma-ed, and have taken steps to synchronize production with incoming orders, the supply chain, and other plants within the enterprise. " ...

Plant Data Integration: Six SIgma Manufacturing: Via The Manufacturer: Automatic for the factory

Business Transformation Through Six Sigma Methodology ...

Nortel business transformation will be supported by use of Six Sigma methodology. ...

... "The company's Business Transformation plan is focused on simplifying Nortel's business, improving quality, reducing direct and indirect costs, and generating new revenues. It is designed to address the company's biggest operational challenges and comprises six key areas: Services, Supply Chain Effectiveness, Revenue Stimulation (including Sales and Pricing), R&D Effectiveness, General and Administrative Effectiveness, Organization & Workforce Effectiveness. The Business Transformation teams consist of top-performing employees specifically chosen to lead and support the efforts. These activities will be further supported by implementation of the Six Sigma quality programs and broad employee engagement initiatives. " ...

Business Transformation Through Six Sigma Methodology: Via Nortel: Nortel Announces Short-Term Priorities to Build Shareholder Value ...

Lean Sigma Blitz: Presentation at Manufacturing Conference ...

nMetric leader delivers presentation on the Lean Sigma Blitz at the upcoming National Manufacturing Week conference ...

... "Jason. P. Premo, Vice President Sales and Marketing of nMetric, LLC, has been invited to be a guest speaker at the annual National Manufacturing Week (NMW), during March 20-23, 2006 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont (Chicago O'Hare), IL. Premo will present two abstracts, Lean Sigma Blitz: Implement Continuous Improvement in Half the Time through Collaborative Manufacturing and How to Achieve Lean Scheduling and Kanban Workflow: 5 Secrets of World Class Manufacturing, as part of National Manufacturing Week’s Enterprise IT/ Supply Chain & Logistics track. The first session (ID# 2M33) is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, from 2:00 p.m. until 2:50 p.m. The second session (ID# 4E52) is scheduled for Thursday, March 23, from 11:00 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. " ...

Lean Sigma Blitz: Presentation at Manufacturing Conference: Via nMetric: NMETRIC PROVIDES THOUGHT LEADERSHIP FOR LEAN FACTORY SCHEDULING AND MANUFACTURING EXECUTION SYSTEMS (MES): Jason Premo, Vice President Sales & Marketing and Six Sigma Master Black Belt for nMetric, will present practical lean workflow methods and case studies at the annual National Manufacturing Week in Chicago during the week of March 20th ...

Solectron LeanSixSigma Enables AS9100 Certification ...

Solectron leverages its Lean Six Sigma discipline to enable AS9100 quality certification ...

... "Solectron Corporation, a leading provider of electronics manufacturing and integrated supply chain services, announced successful certification for Solectron FinePitch to AS9100 Rev B, the quality management system specific to the aerospace industry. AS9100 certification is a strategic milestone for Solectron showcasing our comprehensive quality management system that enables us to deliver world-class quality products and services to our customers, said Misha Rozenberg, senior vice president and chief quality officer, Solectron. Solectron Production System, or SPS, our proven and industry leading Lean Six Sigma methodology, facilitated the AS9100 certification. We are very proud to add aerospace quality assurance certification to our growing list of manufacturing quality compliance standards worldwide. First published in May 1997 by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) as AS9000, the AS standard is currently known as AS9100, Rev B, and is recognized by all major aerospace OEMs. " ...

Solectron LeanSixSigma Enables AS9100 Certification: Via Solectron: Solectron Announces Successful Aerospace Manufacturing Certification to AS9100 Rev B ...

Executive and Manager Overview: ISO 9001:2000/AS9100 Rev. B: "ISO Joe's Executive and Manager Overview: ISO 9001:2000/AS9100 Rev. B provides and expands uponthat foundational knowledge, and examines and compares today's commonly used quality programs and systems. "

Six Sigma: Cessna Success ...

Cessna Aircraft Company leader, Jack Pelton, discusses the company's success and achievements in 2005, enabled by its Lean Six Sigma program. ...

... "He attributed the year's success to a world class Cessna team, award winning customer support, a broad product line that is responsive to the marketplace, emerging global markets, and implementation of lean manufacturing processes. During the year, Cessna delivered 249 Citation jets, 822 single engine pistons, and 86 Caravan single-engine turboprops; won FAA certification for two new jets -- the CJ1+ and CJ2+; and built its order book up to 788 jets and 1,198 single engine aircraft with a total value of $6.3 billion. The company also achieved significant refinement of its processes through implementation of the Textron Six Sigma Lean program, resulting in a more efficient, leaner company. " ...

Six Sigma: Cessna Success: Via Cessna: Remarkable Gains, Significant Achievements for Cessna in 2005 ...



Textron Six Sigma: "Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) is one of the three major elements of Textron Six Sigma, and the one that's most directly tied to meeting customer requirements. Through DFSS, we identify what our customers need and deliver it better than anyone else. It's a proven way to develop top quality products, services and processes right the first time, faster, and at a much lower cost. At Textron, we are combining the key principles of DFSS with a common method for designing all new products and services across the enterprise. "

Textron Annual Report: "The next step is Textron Six Sigma, a company-wide approach to improving our processes and delighting our customers through improved enterprise excellence. Textron's unique Six Sigma model is a comprehensive, common set of tools and techniques rigorously applied to all operating and functional areas to eliminate waste, reduce variability, and accelerate growth and innovation. While the concept of Six Sigma is not new, our unique combination of best practices and powerful methodologies into a single, holistic approach makes Textron Six Sigma the most important improvement process at Textron. "

Peter N. Riley, Senior Vice President Textron Six Sigma, Integrated Supply Chain and Transformation: "Peter N. Riley is senior vice president, Textron Six Sigma, integrated supply chain and transformation. In this role, Riley works closely with all Textron business units to continue the rapid deployment of critical enterprise-wide processes and systems to improve business performance and ensure the achievement of Textron's vision. He is also responsible for driving Textron's efforts to leverage its purchasing power and improve manufacturing processes across and among its business units. "

Lean Manufacturing: Microsoft Roadshow in Europe ...

Microsoft and partners sponsor manufacturing roadshow in Europe to share experiences, such as lean manufacturing and other methods of driving peak performance. ...

... "Microsoft EMEA announced the launch of the Peak Performance Road Show, a series of two-day conference exhibitions wholly focused on the manufacturing sector for CxO and line-of-business executives. The events will take place in cities across Europe between March and June 2006, starting in Munich, Germany, on 13 and 14 March.

Executive attendees will have the opportunity to hear presentations from industry experts, thought leaders and analysts. They will also have the chance to debate current industry issues with their peers and address the challenges that manufacturers from all industries are experiencing: how to reduce new-product development time while continuing to innovate; how to improve the performance of complex plant floor operations; how to obtain a real-time view of the global value chain and achieve lean manufacturing goals; and how to gain a complete view of sales and customer service channels. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Microsoft Roadshow in Europe: Via Microsoft: Microsoft and Team of Industry Leaders to Host European Manufacturing Road Show: Peak Performance events to bring industry experts and leading manufacturers together to learn from each other ...

Additional Microsoft resources on lean manufacturing ...

Via Microsoft: Automating Lean Manufacturing Process Design Using the Microsoft Office System: "A lean manufacturing process design solution can help organizations reduce lean manufacturing implementation costs, improve collaboration surrounding lean manufacturing implementation, and enhance progress tracking for lean improvement projects. Based on the Microsoft Office System, a lean manufacturing process design solution can be deployed quickly with minimal training costs. "

Via Microsoft: Manufacturers increase profits with Microsoft technology: "Employees at each level of the manufacturing process must have the information and tools they need to support lean manufacturing, and these tools must work together to integrate and enhance the planning, analysis, implementation, and reporting of the lean manufacturing cycle. "

Via eBECS: eBECS pioneer Lean Manufacturing suite for Microsoft Business Solutions – Axapta: "Lean Manufacturing. This is the ability to establish manufacturing cells where downstream triggers pull kanbans through the supply chain. Cells are loaded with orders from Lean ordering and other sources with extensive usage of visual techniques for execution.

Lean Supply Replenishment. While similar to Lean Manufacturing, this module provides functionality which extends electronic kanbans out to suppliers. Lean Supply Replenishment supports everything from simple email kanbans to email alerts for secure website schedule and call-off support. It also handles pulling materials from a central warehouse where the practicality of serving multiple points on a shopfloor makes that appropriate. Both also enable more sophisticated kanban triggers, like backflushing for materials consumption and monitoring bin weigh scales on production cells. "

Aggressive Six Sigma Combined with Price Increases ...

C&D must aggressively implement Six Sigma while increasing prices to maintain acceptable margins, in the face of dramatic raw material and energy spikes. ...

... "This rapid escalation in total lead costs has occurred simultaneously with copper and polymer resin price increases of over 8% over this same period and a similarly dramatic rise in the price of natural gas used in battery manufacturing operations. While we are continuing to focus aggressively on productivity improvements and cost reduction efforts as a part of our Six Sigma initiative, increases of this magnitude that occur in essential commodity costs must be addressed in part through increased pricing to our customers. We continue to work with our suppliers to drive economies in the supply chain and are hopeful that this difficult cost environment is of limited duration. " ...

Aggressive Six Sigma Combined with Price Increases: Via C&D Technologies, Inc.: C&D Technologies, Inc. Announces General Price Increase for Standby and Motive Power Products Effective March 1, 2006 ...

C&D Technologies, Inc. provides solutions and services for the switchgear and control (utility), motive (material handling), telecommunications, and uninterruptible power supply (UPS) as well as emerging markets such as solar power. C&D Technologies engineers, manufactures, sells and services fully integrated reserve power systems for regulating and monitoring power flow and providing backup power in the event of primary power loss until the primary source can be restored. C&D Technologies' unique ability to offer complete systems, designed and produced to high technical standards, sets it apart from its competition. C&D Technologies is headquartered in Blue Bell, PA.

Lean Manufacturing: Software Enables Waste Reduction ...

Oracle software enables lean manufacturing transformation at Asia automotive parts manufacturer. ...

... "AAPICO Hitech Plc, an automotive parts company based in Thailand, implemented Oracle applications and technology to enable lean manufacturing operations, Oracle announced. AAPICO will soon be ready for fulfilling complex customer requests while reducing waste in its supply chain. AAPICO wanted to move towards a demand-driven supply chain to accommodate the just-in-time manufacturing schedules of its customers to reduce inventory and fulfillment times. The company, a progressive jig, die and automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts vendor with facilities in Thailand, Malaysia and China, supplies parts to all major car manufacturers in Thailand including Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, Ford, Mazda and Nissan. AAPICO began its migration to lean manufacturing through a pilot program with the support of Auto Alliance Thailand and Toyota. The program brought about quick success, as AAPICO received Toyota's coveted TPS (Toyota Production System) Championship Award in 2004 and again in 2005. After the conclusion of the program, the company decided to implement an enterprise software system to provide the platform for lean manufacturing and integrate the network of facilities.

After a careful evaluation of several vendors' offerings, AAPICO chose Oracle to support lean manufacturing using Oracle Database and the Oracle E-Business Suite, specifically the Oracle Supply Chain Management (SCM) suite, which includes Oracle Discrete Manufacturing, Oracle Flow Manufacturing and Oracle Order Management applications. AAPICO also selected Deloitte Consulting LLP to lead consulting services and additional software from A-Host, a Certified Partner in the Oracle PartnerNetwork. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Software Enables Waste Reduction: Fastest-Growing Automotive Parts Company in Thailand Implements Oracle E-Business Suite to Enable Lean Manufacturing: Company Moves to Lean Manufacturing To Eliminate Waste and Reduce Risk in the Supply Chain for Thai, Malaysian and Chinese Facilities ...

Kaizen: Solectron Lean Sourcing ...

Lean eletronic manufacturer Solectron uses a centralized purchasing model for global strategic sourcing of its $9B annual spend on materials. It uses kaizen throughout the supply-side value chain to drive out waste. This kaizen approach to procurement benefits Solectron and the suppliers. ...

... "Waste not, want not. In fact, Solectron has already done more than 1,000 kaizen events with suppliers to identify areas of waste that can be eliminated in Solectron's or the supplier's business processes. Eliminating waste is a key part of Lean manufacturing. As Solectron moves to Lean, it plans to consolidate more business with fewer suppliers so it can tap into the expertise of suppliers. Commodity teams evaluate the performance of suppliers based on input from Solectron sites. " ...

Kaizen: Solectron Lean Sourcing: Via Purchasing: Lean drives Solectron's sourcing ...

Lean Manufacturing Process: Supply Chain Visibility ...

Matt Bolch explores the role of third-party logistics providers to help lean manufacturers manage their supply chain more efficiently. ...

... "With the continued push toward efficient manufacturing processes such as lean and six sigma, it's not enough to know that critical parts are on the way or have been shipped. You need to know where they are in the supply chain, whether they've cleared customs, whether they're sitting in a warehouse or if they're on the last leg in a journey to your loading dock or your customer. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Process: Supply Chain Visibility: Via The Manufacturer: Acting globally

LeanSixSigma: Collaborative Supply Chain ...

... "Mulligan believes Lean and Six Sigma to be an essential combination for making this collaboration work. " ...

LeanSixSigma: Collaborative Supply Chain: Via Manufacturing Business Technology: Solectron looks to reduce supply waste, build trust with Lean program (COLLABORATIVE SUPPLY CHAINS) ...

Boeing Lean: Supply Chain Integration ...

David Greising explores the success and challenges for Boeing as it embraces lean manufacturing principles which require tight integration in the supply chain. ...

... "Boeing executives are doing what the experts recommend: giving suppliers real-time access to its information systems so they can know when and where Boeing needs deliveries." ...

Via Chicago Tribune | BOEING'S BIG TEST: SUCCESS

Manufacturing Yield Management: Software Ranks High ...

Syntricity software ranks high for semicon manufacturing yield management according to study. ...

... "Syntricity's enterprise yield management system allows global companies to quickly and accurately analyze yield information, which enables faster time to market and enhanced supply chain visibility. FSA's study found that Syntricity's software is used by 51 percent of those using commercial yield management systems. Syntricity is also used by the broadest range of companies, with revenues ranging from $6 million to $1 billion. The next closest supplier reflected a share of 14 percent. Syntricity's satisfaction rating was the highest of all yield management system vendors, with a ranking four on a five point scale. FSA's report was compiled from the responses of 28 fabless semiconductor companies, highlighting the MIS systems used by these companies. " ...

Manufacturing Yield Management: Software Ranks High: Via Syntricity: SYNTRICITY YIELD MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE LEADS IN FSA MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEM SURVEY: Rates high in customer satisfaction and adoption by fabless semiconductor companies ...

Manufacturing Intelligence Software Evolution ...

Report explores the evolution of manufacturing intelligence software and the benefits of plant to business integration: visibility. ...

... "The ability to unlock the operational data that would empower plant managers and executives to make informed, timely decisions has eluded many companies until relatively recently. However, a new generation of MES (manufacturing execution systems) and manufacturing intelligence systems is enabling the collection, presentation, and analysis of critical, real-time data to decision makers throughout the enterprise and the supply chain. " ...

Manufacturing Intelligence Software Evolution: Via Aberdeen Group: Manufacturing Transparency: Turning Visibility into Value ...

Software Supports Manufacturing Agility ...

Newest release of manufacturing execution software (MES) supports agile and adaptable manufacturing models where market requirements are in a constant state of change. ...

... "FlexNet is a highly pliable execution software that can be deployed stand-alone or to extend the value of an organization's ERP, CRM, PLM or other business systems. The software is both a broad strategic operations execution platform that ties together the diverse activities of a manufacturer's operations, as well as a modular suite of applications that can be deployed as needed to provide a tightly coordinated manufacturing solution. Built for Adaptability, Agility: FlexNet 9.3 has been built for adaptive manufacturing, an emerging strategy driven by operations execution systems that provide the flexibility, visibility and integration required to support constantly changing business requirements. The results are optimal efficiency, quality and responsiveness, which can translate into higher profitability and customer satisfaction. " ...

Software Supports Manufacturing Agility: Via Apriso Corporation: APRISO CORPORATION ANNOUNCES FLEXNET VERSION 9.3: Newest Version of Widely Used Software Provides Greater Manufacturing Agility, Adaptability ...

Additional resources on manufacturing agility:

Via Control Engineering - Role of Controls in Product Lifecycle Management: "Moreover, as an enabler for working collaboratively in the early stages of product development, digital manufacturing enables design and automation engineers to work together to quickly develop designs that can be manufactured most readily and economically within the available production facilities. Such integrated systems also support greater manufacturing agility, giving companies greater flexibility in changing operations according to shifting demands of competition and customer preference."

OUTLOOK 2005: Integration & Data Master: Via Managing Automation: "The goal for every commercial offering is to simplify the integration effort, lower cost and enable business and manufacturing agility. And everywhere you turn a vendor has an integrated solution sell for you. "

Via NEMI: GenRad Product Commercializes Technologies from NEMI’s Plug And Play Factory Project: "The adoption of NEMI's FIS standards could greatly reduce the amount of time it takes to integrate new equipment and software systems into the manufacturing supply chain. This capability is critical for maintaining manufacturing agility as well as for increasing the efficiency of shop floor operations, stated John Cartwright, co-chair of the NEMI FIS TIG and manager of Factory Information Systems at Intel."

Lean Manufacturing: Supply Chain Intelligence ...

Software company provides supply chain intelligence for lean manufacturers. ...

... "Open Ratings, the intelligence behind dozens of stable, high performing supply chains, introduces a major upgrade to its flagship solution for supply risk management, SBManager. With this latest version, Open Ratings delivers the most reliable and easy-to-use predictive indicator for ensuring stability in the supply base, critical for today's competitive and often lean manufacturing operations. Available later this month, SBManager 4.5 can significantly improve a company's ability to reduce risk in the supply base. The Web-based solution helps manufacturers escalate action quickly in advance of potential disruptions, with new levels of context for analyzing and understanding alerted changes in a supplier's stability rating. " ...

Lean Manufacturing: Supply Chain Intelligence: Via Open Ratings: Open Ratings Launches SBManager 4.5; Advanced Features Speed Time to Action in Mitigating Supplier Risk ...

New Product Introduction Manufacturing Services ...

Solectron will provide new product introduction and manufacturing outsourcing services for broadband communications company. ...

... "Solectron Corporation (NYSE:SLR), a leading provider of electronics manufacturing and integrated supply chain services, and IPWireless, a leading developer of 3G standards-based mobile broadband technology, announced Solectron as the exclusive provider of outsourced new product introduction (NPI) and manufacturing services. Under the terms of the agreement, Solectron will be the exclusive provider of outsourced NPI services for new products introduced by IPWireless and will be the exclusive provider of outsourced manufacturing for IPWireless-supplied UMTS TD-CDMA mobile broadband equipment, including base stations and modems." ...

New Product Introduction Manufacturing Services: Via Solectron: IPWireless Signs Exclusive Agreement for Solectron's New Product Introduction, Manufacturing Services for 3G UMTS TD-CDMA Products; Agreement Also Streamlines Entry Into Mobile Broadband Market for OEMs and Operators ...

Tag: Manufacturing

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 Global Supply Chain Presentation ...

Leggett & Platt will present lean manufacturing seminar at upcoming trade show. ...

... "Understanding the Global Supply Chain and Using Continuous Improvement and Lean Manufacturing to Improve Your Business will be presented by Randall Wood, L&P's director of optimization-operations. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Global Supply Chain Presentation: Via Furniture|Today: Leggett plans Vegas trade show

Make-to-Order Model Through Lean Manufacturing ...

Manufacturer adopts lean model and transitions to a make-to-order supply chain. Marv Balousek explores the evolution of Research Products corp as it embraces lean manufacturing and eliminates root causes through failure-mode and effects-analysis, FMEA. ...

... "Research Products adopted a lean manufacturing model a few years ago inspired by Japanese manufacturers and now makes products to fulfill orders instead of to build inventory. " ...

Make-to-Order Model Through Lean Manufacturing: Via Wisconsin State Journal: Longtime Madison company gives customers . . . .A breath of fresh air ...



Supply Chain Systems Magazine Features: Manufacturing Adapts for Success: "Increasingly, manufacturers differentiate products late in the manufacturing cycle according to order, though most maintain a buffer stock inventory to deal effectively with business fluctuations. In a Make to Order (MTO) environment, the most critical success factors are visibility and sophisticated production scheduling ..."

Emerald FullText Article : The SHEN model for MTO SMEs: "This paper presents a new model developed for make-to-order (MTO) companies to aid in determining appropriate content for performance improvement programmes. The model has been developed using literature evidence and case-study data from six MTO small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As well as being important aspects of the new model, some of the conclusions from the case-study evidence are important insights into best practice in MTO companies in their own right."

Medical Design Technology Online: "Early adopter of lean manufacturing in transition to make-to-order (MTO), which could not be supported with current technologies and processes"

GE Six Sigma Leader Becomes Nortel Exec ...

GE leader with Six Sigma experience joins Nortel as executive for supply chain and quality management ...

... "Hackney has a world-class background in general management, supply chain, leadership skills, and Six Sigma expertise. He has more than 14 years of global leadership experience at GE working for a wide variety of the GE family of businesses including GE Lighting (North America and Europe), GE Aircraft Engines, GE Power Systems, GE Investments, and GE Mergers and Acquisitions, and his leadership roles have spanned audit, supply chain, operations, product management, and general management. " ...

GE Six Sigma Leader Becomes Nortel Exec: Via Nortel: Nortel Appoints New Global Supply Chain and Quality Leader



Implementing Six Sigma, Executive Strategy, Methodology, experience and results: "Six Sigma has become a small cottage industry. This industry is overpopulated with trainers. It is amazing how all the providers claim to have implemented Six Sigma at Allied Signal, GE, Bombardier, Sony, and etc. The truth is anyone who was a Black Belt for 6-months, scheduled a conference room, or made a presentation takes the liberty to claim responsibility."

Vai domain-B : The Six Sigma Primer: "Interestingly, GE proved that Six Sigma was not just for manufacturing, also applying it with success to GE Capital. In the first year, Six Sigma saved GE $170 million for a $200 million investment; in year two savings were $700 million for a $400 million investment."

Business Leader: Best Practices: Mastering Six Sigma Excellence: "Six Sigma is a sophisticated quality program created by Motorola in the 1980's and perfected by General Electric (GE) during the past five years. The initiative is a highly involved measurement device of production defects per one million operations. While it was originally intended to serve as a manufacturing process, several top companies have transitioned its role to focus on virtually all service-related transactions."

Nortel is a recognized leader in delivering communications capabilities that enhance the human experience, ignite and power global commerce, and secure and protect the world's most critical information. Serving both service provider and enterprise customers, Nortel delivers innovative technology solutions encompassing end-to-end broadband, Voice over IP, multimedia services and applications, and wireless broadband designed to help people solve the world's greatest challenges. Nortel does business in more than 150 countries.