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 ...