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The Sixth Sigma: Achieve Breakthrough Performance Using Six Sigma

Monday, April 19, 2010

GE Locomotive lean reduces build cycle time

Local manufacturers leverage lean techniques to transform their business models as the local workforce work through their own personal transformations. ...

... "A move to lean manufacturing at GE Transportation, the region's largest industrial employer, illustrates the changes. ... Today, the company builds an even more complex locomotive in 15 days while working just two shifts. " ...


Via GoErie: .com: Business Profiles Stories - Veteran industrial worker: 'It wasn't the answer for our family anymore'

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Tuesday, January 26, 2010

PolyOne Lean Six Sigma Startup Drives Adoption Rates

PolyOne Corp is recognized for its Lean Six Sigma deployment, which has achieved 25% penetration in its workforce across all business lines and functions. ...

... "PolyOne was presented with the Process Excellence Award for Best Start-up Program during the International Quality and Productivity Centre’s 11th Annual Lean Six Sigma and Process Improvement Summit in Orlando, Florida. A panel of industry experts selected PolyOne from a pool of 400 entrants. In the Best Start-up category, judges evaluated the transformation of the six finalists based on their ability to set organizational direction, deliver business benefits, and initiate a culture change during the annual gathering of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and process improvement thought leaders. " ...


Via PolyOne: Best Lean Six Sigma Deployment

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Friday, January 22, 2010

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

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Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Lean Implementation Time Reduction

The lean transformation focuses on the creation of additional customer value through eliminating waste and reducing cycle times. ...

... "Wasted time can be difficult to identify, so many companies specifically focus on reducing time as a key driver of Lean Implementation; agility and Lean go hand in hand. " ...


Via Cambridge Network: Quality insights

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Monday, December 28, 2009

Lean Evangelist

John Grabner and Cardinal Fastener embrace lean manufacturing to achieve market success in producing hot forged bolts. ...

... "Grabner, who hosted President-elect Obama last February, is also an evangelist for lean thinking, a manufacturing philosophy initially associated with Toyota Corp.'s lean manufacturing but today a way of thinking that can transform a company's culture from the shop floor to the front office. " ...


Via cleveland.com: John Grabner of Cardinal Fastener

Lean manufacturer meets with sucess

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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Sustainable Lean Transformation

Local chapter of manufacturing association will host a lean transformation workshop on December 10. ...

... "The session, called Creating a Sustainable Lean Transformation, will run from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Crowne Plaza Williamsburg at Fort Magruder, 6945 Pocahontas Trail. " ...


Via Newport News Daily Press: Manufacturing workshop

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Saturday, October 31, 2009

Winco Medical Lean Transformation

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Monday, October 19, 2009

Learjet Lean Layout

Learjet implements strategic transformation to improve business processes for customer benefits. Lean is the foundation for change. ...

... "Learjet focus this year is on introducing facility improvements and layout changes. Next year he says the focus will be on introducing more elements of the lean production system, further eliminating waste and developing standardised work practices. " ...


Via Flight Global: Learjet

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Lean Function Transformation

Shared services functions, such as IT, finance, and procurement, are undergoing transformations that require lean thinking. For example, IT needs to reduce its systems complexity, while providing competitive advantage through real-time business performance visualization. ...

... "Every function within the company is going to undergo some transformation within the company because of these pressures. The emphasis on lean manufacturing that has dominated for the last 10 years is going to become even more pronounced. " ...


Via Crain's Detroit: Jay Gleischman Insights

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Thursday, September 03, 2009

Communicate the Business Strategy with Lean Six Sigma Implementation

Lean Six Sigma implementations require communication leadership to set the direction, provide transparency to the process, and to celebrate successes along the way. Providing the motivation for workforce change requires identifying change leaders on the shop floor to sustain the communication process. The Six Sigma practitioner will use influence skills to drive adoption by front-line workers and administrative staff. ...

... "When it comes to something as complex as shifting a culture toward the principles and practices of lean Six Sigma, communication is not just important, it is mission critical. " ...


Via Quality: Leadership

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Thursday, July 23, 2009

Porsche Lean Manufacturing Modernization

Porsche CEO steps down after taking business risks and transforming his company into an efficient manufacturer, using lean production techniques. ...

Porsche Lean Production System

... "Within two years he managed a surprise turnaround by trimming the product line-up, modernizing the production system based on Toyota's lean manufacturing system, and negotiating new work rules with the unions. " ...


Via Reuters: Porsche

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Monday, June 15, 2009

Manufacturing Call to Action

Webcast will look at significant transformation in manufacturing costs as a strategy for competitive advantage. ...

... "How would you respond if your executive team challenged you to cut your manufacturing costs by 50% in the next five years to remain competitively viable? " ...


Via IndustryWeek: Cut Costs by 50%

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Monday, May 04, 2009

Business Process Improvement through Collaboration and Information

IBM sees opportunity to transform business processes and create a more agile, dynamic enterprise through workforce collaboration and responsive business intelligence. It has aligned a set of its products and services to enable clients to close these gaps in business performance. ...

... "By improving collaboration between people and transforming business processes that are critical to success, organizations can become more agile and responsive to rapidly changing market conditions and better able to pursue new revenue opportunities. Inefficient business processes and barriers to collaboration can hamper business success, especially in a challenging economic environment. " ...


Via IBM: Leadership in Business Process Transformation

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Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Lean Proactive Business Model

Lean Workforce Training Enables Culture Transformation
New Zealand manufacturer sees strong productivity benefits from lean manufacturing. The workforce culture has been transformed to one that contributes ideas freely to proactively improve the process. ...

... "Also known by its Japanese term Kaizen, which means continuous improvement, Mr Cook said lean manufacturing had transformed his business from a reactive organisation to a proactive one working daily to improve itself and meant it took Stainless Design about half the time it used to to process work. " ...


Via Stuff.co.nz: Model T

Stainless Design Workforce Training Program: "Everyone in the company is, and has been, involved in training in Lean principles and implementing improvement projects throughout the business. All these projects will provide significant operational and business performance improvements. "

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Sunday, December 28, 2008

Lean Six Sigma Integration

Paper industry Six Sigma transformation
Paper industry stalwart adopts Lean and Six Sigma to transform its performance as it navigates challenging business conditions. ...

... "As part of its integration, NewPage announced in January it would adopt Lean Six Sigma manufacturing techniques, designed to incorporate both efficiency and quality." ...


Via Wausau Daily Herald: Company Change in Paper Industry

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Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Six Sigma Tax Process Uses VOC

The European Union Chamber of Commerce in Korea recognizes government entities for their efficiency and stewardship ...

... "Six sigma quality is applied to make tax assessments more accurate, and the Voice of Customer (VOC) system is in place to listen to taxpayer complaints and transform them into a foundation for directing administrative policies. " ...


Via Korean Times: Korean Government

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Saturday, November 08, 2008

Six Sigma Business Transformation

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Monday, October 06, 2008

CIO Lean Business Processes

The CIO role is evolving to include business process transformation, where lean and six sigma can play a role in reducing waste and increasing operational efficiency. ...

... "I own the lean transformation - process re-engineering, process improvement, six-sigma. When you have that responsibility, it forces you to get into everyone's business. " ...


Via Forbes: The CIO Role

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Sunday, September 21, 2008

Lean Manufacturing Transformation Challenge

Worker with 25 years of experience shares perspective on workplace challenges due to lean manufacturing transformation. ...

... "My current job – the last few years as we transform to (a) lean manufacturing workplace. It just presents new challenges and you must be able to look at business differently than in the past. " ...


Via The Journal Gazette: Quarter Century Club

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Saturday, May 31, 2008

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

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Saturday, November 10, 2007

Gerber Lean Manufacturing System

Gerber appoints experienced leader and lean consultant to its head operations position. This position will continue to dirve adoption of Gerber's lean initiative. ...

Gerber Lean System

... "He has 26 years experience in high technology aerospace and commercial manufacturing, including 17 years with United Technologies' Sikorsky Aircraft Division, where he played a pivotal role in Sikorsky's Lean transformation. Mr. Mele was also a partner with Accenture, where he consulted global high technology manufacturing firms in planning and execution of end-to-end business transformations. Mr. Mele holds an MBA from the University of Connecticut, an MS in Computer and Information Science from the University of New Haven and is a graduate of the Harvard Business School Program for Management Development. " ...


Via Gerber Scientific: Senior Vice President, Operations

Aviation Today: Sikorsky: "We will examine a key part of that plan - the company's efforts to adopt lean manufacturing and overhaul its production processes ... "



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Monday, November 05, 2007

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


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Saturday, May 19, 2007

CIO Transformation Through Six Sigma

The pace of business is accelerating. Savvy CIO's use techniques, such as Six Sigma, to transform their enterprise. ...

... "Next, he tackled business processes by implementing Six Sigma, followed by the digitization revolution of the 1990s. " ...


Via CIO: CIO Business Transformation

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Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Innovation Transformation on Six Sigma Foundation

GE is seen as one of the world's most innovative enterprises according to recent poll. ...

... "Building on its traditional Six Sigma, efficiency culture, GE is striving to creative a new innovative culture under the banner of eco-imagination. " ...


Via Business Week: GE Innovation

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Tuesday, February 20, 2007

IMMI Lean Six Sigma Transformation

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

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


Via ARC Advisory Group: IMMI Lean Six Sigma

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Thursday, January 25, 2007

Value Stream Map Workshop

Pelion offers one-day value stream mapping workshops ...

... "Initial one-day workshops will be led by Pelion's Chief Technology Officer Dave Gleditsch, a 30-year manufacturing industry veteran who has driven some of the world's most successful Lean transformation programs. The course is conducted in a teach & do format where students will learn in class how to create Value Stream Maps of both current and future states considering product flow strategies and customer value as the compelling drivers. Appropriate Lean Manufacturing principles will be used along the way as students work to define the current state, identify wastes and opportunities and discuss how Lean tools can be applied to create a Future State Map with an improvement plan. " ...


Via Pelion Systems: Value Stream Mapping: Beyond Whiteboards Workshop

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Saturday, January 06, 2007

Change the Culture: Lean Manufacturing Fundamentals

Ross Controls implements lean manufacturing to compete efficiently in the industrial controls industry
Cultural change is the key to creating a sustainable lean manufacturing transformation. Engaging the workforce and enabling open communication with leadership supports the early phase of the lean journey as early successes snowball into sustained performance improvement. ...

... "For Ross Controls, the fundamental change that restored the company's fiscal health was lean manufacturing. In both cases, cultural change was the driver underpinning a positive bottom line. " ...


Via The Manufacturer: Lean and Cultural Change

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Thursday, November 23, 2006

LeanSixSigma: Danaher Business System

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

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


Via The Manufacturer: Link

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Sunday, November 12, 2006

Lean Principles Take Hold

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

Simmons implements lean manufacturing

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


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

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Thursday, October 26, 2006

LaZBoy Lean Manufacturing Initiative ...

LaZBoy receives support for transformation of its workforce to lean methods, which sustain its global competitiveness. ...

LaZBoy implements lean

... "Stegeman said the cellular, or lean manufacturing is a move away from the old production-line way of doing things at the Newton plant. " ...


Via The Newton Record: La-Z-Boy going to lean manufacturing ...

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Sunday, October 15, 2006

Lean Plant Organization ...

Lean transformation in the manufacturing plant is not a panacea for global competition. ...

... "That was before a lean manufacturing exercise changed Afeyan's mind about how his factory should be organized. " ...


Via The Montreal Gazette: Lean and mean might not be enough

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Thursday, October 12, 2006

Army Lean Six Sigma: Leadership Culture

Secretary of the Army Francis J. Harvey shares his views on the leadership excellence in the military, which includes a foundation of continuous improvement through Lean Six Sigma. ...

Secretary of the Army Francis J. Harvey discusses Lean Six Sigma

... "Harvey also touted the Lean Six Sigma business-management tool as an example of transformation in the Army's business culture. " ...

Via Leavenworth Lamp: Harvey addresses AUSA gathering ...

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Thursday, October 05, 2006

Project Lean: Toyota Magic ...

The lean transformation project unleashes the Toyota magic ...

... "Lean manufacturing can be considered among the more magical initiatives that has played a significant role in the success of Japanese companies worldwide; in particular, the domination of Toyota. " ...

Via The Chronicle-Herald: Being lean not about being mean ...

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Friday, September 29, 2006

Lean Coordinator Position ...

Canadian company commits to lean transformation as its fill positions ...

Lean transformation begins as newly created division on Canadian company

... "This newly created position of lean co-ordinator cements our commitment to the lean philosophy by dedicating full-time resources to the implementation of lean thinking. " ...

Via Canadian Plastics: FormShape commits to lean manufacturing, appoints lean co-ordinator ...

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Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Facility Rationalization: Lean Manufacturing Transformation ...

Columbus McKinnon sells Arkansas facility as it adopts lean principles and optimizes its manufacturing footprint. ...

... "Timothy T. Tevens, President and CEO of Columbus McKinnon commented: The building was sold as a result of our facility rationalization and lean manufacturing efforts. The proceeds from the sale will be used to pay down our debt to reduce interest expense and further enhance our strategic flexibility. Our strategy is to continue to grow our top line through geographic expansion, new product innovation and bolt-on acquisitions, while enhancing our profitability. " ...

Via Columbus McKinnon Corporation: Columbus McKinnon Completes Sale of Forrest City, Arkansas Property ...

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Thursday, September 07, 2006

Mulally Lean Experience Ford's Benefit ...

Ford will benefit from CEO Mulally's lean manufacturing experience at Boeing. ...

Ford CEO Mulally has lean manufacturing experience from Boeing transformation ...

... "Mr Mulally carefully studied Toyota's world-beating manufacturing in the early 1990s, though it took years before Boeing's factories incorporated much of the lean manufacturing philosophy - the 737 factory got a moving final-assembly line only in 2003, 90 years after Henry Ford invented it. " ...

Via Economist: Ford's new pilot ...

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Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Six Sigma Entitlement Baseline ...

Navy establishes performance baseline and identifies its entitlement opportunity. Admiral John Nathman shares his insights on the organization's behavior and culture change. ...

Admiral John Nathman shares his views on the transformation in the Navy through adopting a Lean Six Sigma culture ...

... "We're doing things like entitlement baselines, Six Sigma, Lean. Very broad things. The Navy has changed its behavior. " ...

Six Sigma Entitlement Baseline: Via DefenseNews: Interview: Adm. John Nathman ...

Navy leader has a distinguished career ...

Admiral John B. Nathman's Biography: "Since his selection to Flag rank in 1994, Admiral Nathman has served on the NATO staff of Commander, Allied Forces Southern Europe (AF SOUTH), and as Director of Logistics for Commander, NATO Implementation Force (IFOR) during its first out-of-area deployment to Bosnia. In 1996, he commanded Carrier Group Seven, NIMITZ Carrier Strike Group and Battle Force FIFTY in the Persian Gulf. Admiral Nathman subsequently served as Director, Air Warfare, on the Chief of Naval Operations staff in Washington, D.C. ... Admiral Nathman served most recently as the 33rd Vice Chief of Naval Operations from August 2004 to February 2005. He assumed command of U.S. Fleet Forces Command on February 18, 2005. "

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Sunday, July 30, 2006

Lean Transformation: Ohio Growth Position ...

Manufacturing companies that have survived the downturn, through tranformation to lean practices, are in position to benefit during the current economic growth. ...

Ohio manufacturers are positioned for growth ...

... "The region's survivors have learned to use the principles of lean manufacturing, which apply to small companies as well as big producers, said Steve Gage, president of MAGNET, a business consulting firm in Cleveland. Survivors have learned to differentiate themselves from competitors and to meet tight production schedules, he said. " ...

Lean Transformation: Ohio Growth Position: Via Beacon Journal: Stealthy success

Ohio has also benefited from a tax friendly business environment ...

OMA | Manufacturers Gather To Discuss State Policy: "Since the tax reform package was passed last June, companies around the state have announced plans for expansion and relocation. According to the Ohio Department of Development plans for new pharmaceuticals and metal products manufacturers and multi-million dollar expansions in numerous other companies in the state can be directly attributed to the state's new tax policy. "

Ohio manufacturing consortium forms Magnet ...

Ohio manufacturing firms form Magnet ...

Magnet :: Manufacturing Advocacy & Growth Network: "Approximately 75 manufacturers from fifteen Northeast Ohio counties, as well as representatives from the Greater Cleveland Partnership, CAMP, Team NEO, NorTech and many others, spent more than a year developing a plan of action for manufacturing in Northeast Ohio. "

Ohio Department of Development supports business investment ...

Ohio Department of Development: STATE RECEIVES 60 APPLICATIONS FOR JOB READY SITES PROGRAM: "The JRS Program is a competitively funded program and was part of the $2 billion public works and economic development bond package initiative that was supported by Ohio voters last fall. The program will provide $150 million in grants to eligible and qualified applicants across the state, which are interested in developing job ready sites. There are five large-scale, high-impact project site categories that are eligible for funding under the program.

Ohio invests in job ready manufacturing sites ...

These categories include: mega manufacturing operations; technical center/research laboratories; manufacturing facilities; existing industrial buildings; and smart office complexes. Within three years after receiving a grant award, approved projects must receive certification from a third-party firm to verify the site has the necessary attributes to accommodate largescale end use development; the property will then be added to a statewide inventory of available sites. "

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Saturday, June 03, 2006

VicePresident LeanManufacturing: Position Available ...

Solection Lean Manufacturing position is 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 ...

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Friday, May 19, 2006

CIO Implements Lean Sigma in IT ...

Lean Sigma-experience CIO joins Select Comfort ...
New CIO has experience with Lean Sigma implementation ...

... "Park joins Select Comfort from Maytag Corporation, where he served as Corporate Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer. At Maytag, he led the transformation and realignment of the IT function, implementing LeanSigma (a combination of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma) and other strategic initiatives to leverage best practices, increase efficiencies and standardize technologies and tools to turn IT into a highly responsive business function at Maytag. " ...

CIO Implements Lean Sigma in IT: Via Select Comfort: Select Comfort Corporation Appoints Ernie Park as SVP and CIO ...

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Tuesday, March 14, 2006

DOD Six Sigma Transformation ...

DOD leverages local resources to guide its Six Sigma transformation. ...

... "Because of the center's geographic proximity to General Electric, which has done much of the pioneering work on Six Sigma, the center's leadership decided a little more than two years ago to take advantage of local resources, said Stan Zavist, who is now the Air Force Security Assistance Center Transformation Division chief. Training was started and soon the center had 4 Six Sigma Green Belts and Zavist became the center's Six Sigma Black Belt. " ...

DOD Six Sigma Transformation: Process Improvement Benefits Customers: Via U.S. Department of Defense Transformation

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Sunday, March 12, 2006

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 ...

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Saturday, March 04, 2006

Six Sigma Business Transformation Drives Improvement and Benefits ...

Six Sigma foundation supports Lex's business transformation which yields measureable process improvements and tangible financial benefits. ...

... "Key factors in Lex's success last year were the implementation of a business transformation programme called Six Sigma and a move to a new operational centre in Cheadle, near Stockport. Six Sigma helped generate a reported 11% improvement in customer service processes, and is credited with generating £4 million of benefits. " ...

Six Sigma Business Transformation Drives Improvement and Benefits: Via ITV Motoring: Lex Grows Again

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Friday, March 03, 2006

Six Sigma Project Risk Management ...

Air Force teams manage risks and Six Sigma improvement projects ...

... "Blue Teams are just one of many ways Electronic Systems Center is doing business consistent with the Air Force Smart Ops 21 construct. Smart Ops 21, which seeks to improve productivity while reducing waste, relies on proven industry practices such as Six Sigma and Lean. " ...


Six Sigma Project Risk Management: Via Department of Defense: Center Charting Smart Course with Blue Teams: The Air Force has vowed to improve its acquisition timeliness and cost through an initiative known as Going Green – green symbolizing a program that is in good shape using the stoplight model ...

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Wednesday, February 22, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Supports Company Transformation ...

Lean manufacturing transformation is needed to stay competitive with global competition in China ...

... "Meyer said that all employees will receive training in team work, conflict resolution, lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. " ...


Lean Manufacturing Supports Company Transformation: Via The Neosho Daily News: La-Z-Boy changing production lines to compete with China ...

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Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Lean SixSigma Business Operating System ...

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

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

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

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Thursday, February 02, 2006

Six Sigma: United Airlines Transformation ...

United Airlines will implement Six Sigma to enable its transformation ...

... "United is introducing so-called lean-manufacturing techniques at its maintenance operations. It is introducing highly technical new quality measurements, called Six Sigma, to its cargo and call centers, and new work methods in its ramp and customer service operations. " ...

Six Sigma: United Airlines Transformation: Via Chicago Tribune: Tilton test: Turn survival into success

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Friday, January 27, 2006

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 ...

Cessna six sigma program contributes to its success 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. "

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Tuesday, January 24, 2006

Lean Transformation Keynote: Raytheon Leader ...

... "Richard Schuler, the director of Lean implementation at Raytheon's Integrated Air Defense Center (IADC) in Andover, MA, will give the keynote address for the Nepcon East/Electro and Assembly East event in Boston this May. " ...

Lean Transformation Keynote: Raytheon Leader: Raytheon's Lean Director to Keynote Nepcon East - Circuits Assembly ...

Via Raytheon Company: Special Interest Stories: Raytheon's Integrated Air Defense Center Claims Shingo Prize for Excellence in Lean Manufacturing: "Dan Ryan, vice president of Operations for Raytheon's Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) business, recently accepted the Northeast Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing at a dinner reception held on the campus of the University of Massachusetts, Boston, on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2005. "

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Monday, January 23, 2006

Lean Manufacturing: Ford Continues Transformation ...

Ford made early progress on lean manufacturing, emulating Toyota's quality success, however market shifts continue. Isaac Cheifetz explores the challenges of the automotive industry to adapt to market forces and balance short-term profitability with long-term organizational design, as Ford announces its restructuring transformation. ...

... "Among U.S. auto companies, Ford has done the best job of changing to meet the future, embracing lean manufacturing techniques in the 1990s and producing the first hybrid SUV (the Escape). Yet it still finds itself cutting manufacturing capacity to reflect shrinking market share. " ...


Lean Manufacturing: Ford Continues Transformation: Via Minneapolis-St.Paul Star-Tribune: Focus on short term hurt U.S. carmakers ...

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Sunday, January 22, 2006

Lean Manufacturing Job Classifications ...

Minimize number of job classifications to create lean manufacturing workforce ...

... "As part of the push toward Japanese-style lean manufacturing, Chrysler is laying off some skilled trade workers such as electricians and tool and die makers. It's also reducing the number of job classifications at many of it plants. " ...

Lean Manufacturing Job Classifications: Via The Detroit News: Chrysler cuts trade workers ...

Lean Manufacturing An overview of what it should include: "Technical and management support to resolve problems, Removal of indirect workers, broadening narrow job classifications and cross training, Keeping the responsibility with the originator, not the technical support functions ... "

Superfactory - best practices enabling lean manufacturing excellence: "When the machine stops often the worker just stands there waiting for maintenance. I have visited 250 plants in Japan and never recall seeing someone standing and just waiting. I have been to numerous American plants and always see the reverse. Some union plants have hundreds of job classifications protecting worker�s salaries but limiting flexibility to move people to where they are needed when they are needed.) "

Via IMPACT: Program Profile: Lean Manufacturing Transformation: "After LARA's work on the Presidential Commission on Aerospace, the US Department of Labor approached the program with a research grant to examine operations at Boeing/IAM St. Louis, where both union and employer agreed to compress approximately 47 job classifications and numerous sub-classifications into eight integrated categories. "

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Tuesday, January 17, 2006

Lean Manufacturing ERP Solution: Infor ...

Curt implements Infor's ERP solution to drive lean manufacturing transformation. ...

... "Infor, the largest global enterprise software provider exclusively focused on developing solutions for the manufacturing and distribution industries, announced that Curt Manufacturing, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of towing-system products, has chosen Infor to provide an enterprise resource planning solution integrating its two plants and seven North American distribution sites. Curt has twice been named Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year by Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce, deriving in part from its innovative product line, including color-matched hitches for the SUV and light-truck market. This rapidly growing company has chosen to ensure its future growth through investment in advanced software solutions. As a result, the company elected to work with Infor channel partner Information Systems Engineering, Inc. (ISE) to implement Infor's XA enterprise resource planning solution to standardize processes across all its locations, increase visibility of its processes to improve decision making, and provide a stable platform that can be scaled upward easily. XA is a major element of Infor's Manufacturing Essentials suite of solutions.

The company anticipates that its new Infor technology will be up and running in all nine sites within ten months. By improving visibility of inventory and shipments, the Infor ERP solution reduces lead times. Infor's solution promotes lean manufacturing by providing real-time visibility of order status and reducing the need for safety stock. Its tracking systems also enable companies to improve dramatically both the predictability of materials shipments and on-time deliveries. " ...

Lean Manufacturing ERP Solution: Infor: Via Infor: Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Selects Infor ERP Solution to Handle Company's Rapid Growth ...

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Monday, January 16, 2006

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 ...

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Sunday, January 15, 2006

LeanSixSigma TheoryofConstraints: Goldratt Institute to Support NAVRIIP ...

Goldratt Institute and partners will team to support the NAVRIIP program with integrated Lean Six Sigma and Theory of Constraints capabilities. ...

... "AGI is teamed with Dynamics Research Corporation (DRC), Coalition Solutions Integrated, Inc (CSI) and Mr. Laurin P. Eck (Independent Contractor) to deliver Theory of Constraints (TOC), Lean, and Six Sigma in an integrated approach to achieve the Naval Aviation Readiness Integrated Improvement Program's (NAVRIIP) objective of achieving Cost-Wise Readiness. This effort will include the design, deployment, and sustainment of 71 sites to include intermediate maintenance activities, organizational maintenance activities, aircraft carriers, and amphibious assault ships. It also includes applying the Enterprise AIRSpeed methodology to the design of the new CVN-78 class aircraft carrier, as well as Marine Aviation Logistics Support Program II (MALSP II), the transformation of MALSP to support Sea Basing and expeditionary maneuver warfare through significantly reduced logistics footprint forward. As part of the sustainment strategy, the contractor team will provide training and education across a wide-spectrum of activities to include naval aviation leadership, AIRSpeed professionals, instructors, and formal schools. " ...

LeanSixSigma TheoryofConstraints: Goldratt Institute to Support NAVRIIP: Avraham Y. Goldratt Institute, LLP: US Navy Awards a Major Contract to a Connecticut Small Business ...

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Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Manager Six Sigma Quality Engineering Position Available ...

Management position responsible for Six Sigma Quality Engineering is available. ...

Via MaineJobs: Manager, Six Sigma/Quality Engineering ...

... "Utilize the principles of Six Sigma to drive and implement quality throughout the organization in areas such as: Metrics, Dashboards, Root Cause Analysis, and Risk Assessments concentrating on IT initiatives and overseeing the implementation of other business projects utilizing Six Sigma. Provide Black Belt oversight for Six Sigma projects. Support and facilitate Six Sigma Training Workshops using appropriate tools to ensure WEX has a high added value framework for all its business processes transformation work. Partners with IT PMO and Software Development Lifecycle Methodology Teams in the integration of Six Sigma to ensure that each compliments each other and that all projects adhere to both as appropriate. " ...

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Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Operational Excellence Transformation ...

Operational Excellence Transformation: Via Pliant Corporation: PLIANT CORPORATION SLASHING DEBT BY 49% AND ANNUAL INTEREST EXPENSE BY 57%: Deal would reduce debt by $578 million and annual interest expense by $84 million ...

... "Harold Bevis, President and CEO, said, This financial restructuring is a key pillar in the transformation of Pliant. We have been very successful in transforming our innovation programs, transforming our operational excellence programs, partnering with winning customers and key vendors, and bringing in a world-class executive team to lead the company. We have been hampered by the tremendous debt load on the company, including our mandatorily redeemable preferred stock which is classified as a liability on the company's balance sheet. " ...

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Saturday, December 03, 2005

Merck Transformation: Lean Manufacturing Drives Operational Efficiency ...

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

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

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

Major restructuring announced by Merck. ...

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

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

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

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

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

Merck embarks on a lean manufacturing transformation to achieve operational efficiencies ...

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

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Lean Improvement: Overcome Challenges With Kaizen ...

Regular kaizen events can sustain the transformation of organizational culture through continuous improvement. Thomas G. Dolan continues his exploration of lean manufacturing and methods to confront and overcome the challenges. ...

Lean Improvement: Overcome Challenges With Kaizen: Via Pallet Enterprise: Lean Manufacturing Approach Offers Potential, Challenges

... "The biggest challenge for the Atkins facility was developing leadership to sustain a system and culture that drives continuous improvement. Without this leadership, it is easy for an organization to fall back into its old ways. Kaizen team events achieved good results to build leadership at all levels of the organization as well as to implement lean improvements immediately. " ...

Kaizen events sustain the continuous improvement effort and overcome organizational challenges ...

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Wednesday, November 30, 2005

Six Sigma IT Transformation ...

Tony Baer explores the opportunity for information technology transformation by embracing manufacturing principles, such as six sigma. ...

Six Sigma IT Transformation: Via Manufacturing Business Technology: What manufacturers can teach IT ...

... "Watson points to the fact that manufacturing has embraced its share of process models, which have evolved from Frederick Taylor-style mass-production principles for scientific management to more recent doctrines such as kaizen for continuous improvement, or Six Sigma for rooting out defects. " ...

Six Sigma is applicable to the information technology profession ...
Frederick Winslow Taylor, picture source: Wikipedia.

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Tuesday, November 22, 2005

Kaizen Necessary But Not Sufficient at Delphi ...

Delphi's kaizen and lean manufacturing implementation was necessary, but not sufficient to keep it out of bankruptcy. Kevin Farley explores the Delphi bankruptcy situation and the strides made by the company in its lean enterprise transformation. ...

Kaizen Necessary But Not Sufficient at Delphi: Via Bangkok Post: Even Lean wasn't enough at Delphi

... "Delphi retained the very best ex-Toyota sensei, pursued kaizen with a vengeance, and took out billions of dollars of operating costs. " ...

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Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Lean Software Supports Manufacturing Transformation ...

QAD has delivered new product enhancements and a production scheduling tool, that supports a lean manufacturing transformation. ...

Lean Software Supports Manufacturing Transformation: QAD Enhances Advanced Manufacturing Capabilities, Introduces QAD Production Scheduler for World-Class Operations, Local Performance: Solution Expands GXE Portfolio of Software and Service ...

... "QAD software’s advanced manufacturing capabilities are completely scalable, simple to implement and easy to use in established manufacturing centers, new markets or new ventures. Enhancements reflect world-class production system principles and best practices for transmitting data to achieve lean manufacturing and supply visibility. " ...


QAD is a leading provider of enterprise applications for global manufacturing companies. QAD applications provide critical functionality for managing manufacturing resources and operations within and beyond the enterprise, enabling global manufacturers to collaborate with their customers, suppliers and partners to make and deliver the right product, at the right cost and at the right time. Manufacturers of automotive, consumer products, electronics, food and beverage, industrial and life science products use QAD applications at approximately 5,300 licensed sites in more than 90 countries and in as many as 27 languages.

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Monday, November 14, 2005

Six Sigma Control Phase Requires Data Collection Support ...

Minitab plug-in supports factory data-collection during Six Sigma control phase. ...

Six Sigma Control Phase Requires Data Collection Support: Six Sigma Software Plugs MINITAB® into Factory Data inRealTime ...


... "As much as 40% of the gains of Six Sigma projects are often lost due to poor implementation in the control phase. While these are unofficial estimates, most Black Belts will agree that their companies are not able to produce clean consistent process data over time without going through great expense and unbudgeted manual labor. Hertzler has packaged many of those wizards and interfaces into a MINITAB plug in that can relieve the headaches and the hassles of collecting machine process data. inRealTime is the perfect Green Belt tool. " ...


Hertzler Systems provides seamless, accurate data acquisition solutions that drive business transformation. They have been in this business for over 20 years, with a diverse customer base in service, transactional and manufacturing environments. Hertzler Systems enables clients to connect, collect and analyze data; building a robust data infrastructure for making data-driven decisions. These capabilities help clients to reduce costs, cycle time and errors, and increase profitability. Hertzler's clients include Boeing Aerospace, BAE Systems, IDEX Corporation, Kraft Foods, McCormick & Company, Inc., Pactiv Corporation, and Titleist & Footjoy Worldwide, just to name a few.

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Sunday, November 13, 2005

Kaizen Event: 5S Implementation ...

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

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

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


Kaizen 5S event can identify multiple opportunities for operational efficiency in the factory ...

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Sunday, October 30, 2005

Quality Transformation: Korean Firm

Toyota's lean manufacturing quality performance will be studied by Korean firm. Kim Tae-jin reports on Korean steel manufacturer, Posco, and the company's efforts to transform its efficiency to world-class performance levels. It already has experience in Six Sigma quality methodology.

Via INSIDE JoongAng Daily: Posco looks to Toyota for management advice ...

... "The group is organized by previous core members that participated in the company's management improvement campaign, Six Sigma. Posco adopted the campaign, which was first started by General Electric, in 2002. The company said that thanks to the campaign it has saved several billion won every year. " ...


Posco Steel Six Sigma program: Continues transformation in lean manufacturing techniques ...
Photo courtesy of Posco.

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Sunday, October 23, 2005

Lean Six Sigma Transformation: Black Belts Mobilize ...

Minting new Six Sigma Black Belts is key to the initial adoption of the Six Sigma methodology. The Black Belts work with champions to identify the highest impact opportunities for improvement. Heather Paynter explores the Lean Six Sigma transformation of the military as Six Sigma Black Belts mobilize to drive value from their improvement projects ...

Lean Six Sigma Transformation: Black Belts Mobilize: Via NavyCompass: FISC San Diego Black Belt Tackles HHG Project ...

... "Researching, analyzing and developing solutions to improve daily work processes are integral steps followed by Lean six Sigma (L6S) Black Belt graduates like Fleet and Industrial Supply Center (FISC) San Diego's Carolyn Wright. " ...

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Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Customer Value Leadership: Kaizen Jidoka

Leadership is required to drive major transformation. John Baldoni explores the leadership competencies associated with the Toyota production system, based on driving customer value through kaizen and jidoka.

Customer Value Leadership: Kaizen Jidoka: Via CIO: Leading from Within ...

... "Toyota managers and employees operate on principles of just in time delivery, jidoka (quality) and kaizen (continuous improvement). All of these endeavors are focused to do one thing: Deliver value to the customer-value that the customer desires, wants and will pay for. " ...

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Saturday, October 15, 2005

Lean SixSigma: Supply Chain Management Position

Lean SixSigma: Supply Chain Management Position: Supply Chain Engineer ...

... "Bringing a focus of waste reduction, you will have knowledge and practical application of lean transformation (5S, TPM, VSM, Line Balance, etc) and/or Six Sigma methods. You will need to be flexible, as there may be extensive European travel involved. With excellent communications and inter-personal skills you will engage with people from senior management to shop floor, showing high standards you will identify opportunities to improve QCD performance and have the tenacity to capitalise on them. " ...

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Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Lean Manufacturing: Operation Transformation UT

UT implements a lean enterprise transformation across its lines of business ...

Via InformationWeek: United Technologies Keeps Risks To A Minimum ...

... "United Technologies has been simplifying its supply chain. In January 2003, the company kicked off Operation Transformation, deploying lean-manufacturing techniques and building a lean enterprise across its supply base, factories, and business divisions, which include Carrier heating and cooling systems, Hamilton Sundstrand aerospace systems and industrial products, Otis elevators and escalators, Pratt & Whitney aircraft engines ... " ...

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Sunday, October 09, 2005

Lean Manufacturing: Systems Approach

A systems approach to lean manufacturing is a multi-year enterprise transformation. The transformation must be managed as a lean journey with a comprehensive roadmap that includes addressing cultural adoption ...

Via MTES: Lean Manufacturing

... "Lean Manufacturing is a team-baseds systematic approach to identifying and eliminating wasteful or non-value-adding activities within your manufacturing organization. Lean is a whole new way of thinking, and should be considered much more than a series of programs or techniques. " ...


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Saturday, October 08, 2005

Electronic Kanban: Lean Manufacturing ...

Software enables digitized, or electronic, kanban which supports transformation to lean manufacturing ...

Via Automation: e-Kanban: A Key to Lean

... "e-kanban, in contrast, focuses specifically on centralizing and managing all of the mission critical data. Real-time transaction capture and tracking builds a repository of information, ripe for process improvement analysis. " ...

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Tuesday, October 04, 2005

Lean Six Sigma Army Transformation: Recent Insights ...

Lean Six Sigma Army Transformation: Recent Insights: Via The United States Army: SecArmy opens AUSA with thoughts on future ...

Lt. Col. Thomas W. Collins reports on Francis J. Harvey, Secretary of the Army, opening speech at the annual meeting of the Association of the United States Army with commentary on the Army transformation to meet the threats of the 21st century ...

... "Lean/Six Sigma to re-engineer business: Along with Army Force Transformation, Harvey also outlined the plan for improving how the Army does business. He noted that earlier this year, the Army initiated a comprehensive Army-wide Business Transformation centered on re-engineering business processes. This process, called Lean/Six Sigma, is designed to take work out and improve cycle time. Ultimately, it will lead to more efficient production that frees resources that can be used to better support the warfighting side of the Army, he said. " ...

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Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Six Sigma Business Process Documentation: MS Visio Integration ...

Six Sigma Business Process Documentation: MS Visio Integration: Via Appian: Appian & Zynium Partner to Deliver Powerful Standards-Based Approach to Microsoft Visio Integration: Together, Appian Enterprise and Zynium's Byzio Exporter Enable Rapid Import/Export of Visio® Business Processes ...

... "The companies will work closely to develop and deliver standards-based solutions that automate the export and transformation of critical business processes, such as Six Sigma and Sarbanes-Oxley compliance processes, from Visio into Appian Enterprise. After spending significant amounts of time and money documenting the graphical view of their critical business processes using Microsoft Visio, many global organizations are realizing the limitations of Visio's static process maps, specifically the inability to fully support dynamic processes. Without real-time, end-to-end business process management, execution, and analysis capabilities, companies cannot automate, monitor and improve their processes, making it especially difficult to achieve and maintain compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley and Six Sigma quality control requirements. " ...


Zynium designs Microsoft® Visio® process map data extraction tools and transforms the data into the XPDL standard for use within the business process optimization solutions. Zynium is a leading provider of Middleware for Workflow software applications for enterprise content and business process management solutions. The Zynium Byzio Exporter™ provides for one way interoperability between Microsoft® Visio® and the chosen content and business process management solution.

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Six Sigma Transformation: Galvin Electricity Initiative

Six Sigma Transformation: Galvin Electricity Initiative: Landmark effort to create blueprint for 21st century electric infrastructure and service ...

... "The Galvin Electricity Initiative officially announced its mission to create an actionable blueprint for transforming the U.S. electricity supply and service infrastructure into a resilient and adaptable system that can perfectly meet the needs of the rapidly evolving digital economy and society. The fundamental principle guiding this Initiative is that raising the quality of the nation's electricity supply system will create substantial cost savings for all consumers and society at large. The Initiative is sponsored by the Galvin Project, Inc., which is led by Bob Galvin, former CEO of Motorola and a key figure in establishing the internationally recognized Six Sigma quality control process. " ...

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Thursday, September 15, 2005

Best Plant: SPS LeanKaizen SixSigma Principles

Best Plant: SPS LeanKaizen SixSigma Principles: Via Solectron: Solectron Receives 2005 IndustryWeek Best Plants Award: Annual Award Program Recognizes the 10 Best Manufacturing Facilities in North America ...

Solectron wins best plant recognition leveraging lean kaizen and six sigma principles ...

... "This world class performance is a direct result of empowered people applying the Solectron Production System(TM) (SPS) -- our own winning combination of Lean kaizen and Six Sigma principles, said Marc Onetto, executive vice president, Operations. In our view, what makes Solectron stand out as a winner is our dedication to meeting and even exceeding our customers' expectations. Through the total transformation of our factory using SPS, Solectron has benefited our customers in faster delivery, flexibility to changes, world class competitiveness and higher quality. " ...


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

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Tuesday, September 13, 2005

Six Sigma Seminar: Competitive Edge

Six Sigma Seminar: Competitive Edge: Sharpen your Competitive Edge

... "September 22, 2005, 8:30am-11:30am, Walsh College, Novi Campus, 41500 Gardenbrook Road, Novi, MI, No charge to Michigan businesses but registration is required.

Topics Include:
Transformation Needs Assessment, LEAN - Strategic Business Solutions, LEAN Office, ISO 9001:2000 and TS 16949:2002, ISO 14001:2004, Automotive Core Tools , Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt, Cost Management & Control " ...

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Thursday, September 08, 2005

Six Sigma Service Transformation Seminar ...

Six Sigma Service Transformation Seminar: Via North County News

... "The American Society for Quality Baltimore will hold a free breakfast meeting, 7:30-9 a.m. Sept. 15, at PHH Arval, 940 Ridgebrook Road in Sparks. Topic: How PHH Arval transformed Six Sigma into a service methodology. Registration by Sept. 13 at noon; e-mail your name, company name and phone number to susan.spurgeon@ngc.com. " ...

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Friday, August 19, 2005

Lean Six Sigma: Senior VP Quality Appointed ...

Lean Six Sigma: Senior VP Quality Appointed: Via The Timken Company: Timken Names Donna Demerling Senior Vice President - Quality ...

Timken recognizes Lean Six Sigma leader with senior VP position ...

... "The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) announced today that Donna J. Demerling has been named senior vice president - quality and Lean Six Sigma. Ms. Demerling, who was previously senior vice president - supply chain transformation, will report to James W. Griffith, president and CEO. " ...


The Timken Company (NYSE: TKR) keeps the world turning, with innovative ways to make customers' products run smoother, faster and more efficiently. Timken's highly engineered bearings, alloy steels and related products and services turn up everywhere - on land, on the seas and in space. With operations in 27 countries, sales of $4.5 billion in 2004 and 26,000 employees, Timken is Where You Turn(TM) for better performance.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2005

CMMI Level3 Achieved

CMMI Level3 Achieved: Via CSC: CSC’S GLOBAL TRANSFORMATION SOLUTIONS GROUP ACHIEVES SEI CMMI LEVEL 3 RATING ...

CSC group achieves CMMI level3 capability ...

... "Computer Sciences Corporation (NYSE: CSC) announced today that its Global Transformation Solutions (GTS) group has received the Software Engineering Institute’s (SEI) Software Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) Level 3 rating. The SEI is a research and development center chartered to improve software engineering practices. CMMI ratings are awarded after an exhaustive appraisal is conducted involving analysis and review of software development capabilities, processes and products. " ...


Founded in 1959, Computer Sciences Corporation is a leading global IT services company. CSC’s mission is to provide customers in industry and government with solutions crafted to meet their specific challenges and enable them to profit from the advanced use of technology. With more than 78,000 employees, CSC provides innovative solutions for customers around the world by applying leading technologies and CSC’s own advanced capabilities. These include systems design and integration; IT and business process outsourcing; applications software development; Web and application hosting; and management consulting. Headquartered in El Segundo, Calif., CSC reported revenue of $14.3 billion for the 12 months ended July 1, 2005.

The Software Engineering Institute (SEI) is a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics [OUSD (AT&L)]. The SEI contract was competitively awarded to Carnegie Mellon University in December 1984. The SEI technical program is executed by approximately 225 members of the technical staff from government, industry, and academia with an average of 10+ years of experience in the field of software engineering.

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Monday, August 08, 2005

SixSigma BPO Process Transformation

SixSigma BPO Process Transformation: AEGIS INTERWORLD LAUNCHES COMPANY TO ADDRESS EMERGING LOGISTICS OUTSOURCING INDUSTRY: Foremost Logistics Thought Leaders First to Provide Extensive Suite of End-to-End Business Process Outsourcing Services and Solutions ...

Aegis offers Six Sigma transformation services for business processes targeted for BPO ...

... "Aegis InterWorld's innovative business process optimization and outsourced business process management capabilities are centered around core supply chain and logistics functionality, including procurement planning, bidding and cost analysis, order fulfillment and transportation logistics. The company offers a range of business critical services, including the analysis and efficient re-structuring of business processes that provide customers with a roadmap for radical improvement as well as foster Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and support best practices initiatives such as Six Sigma and SCOR. " ...


Aegis InterWorld Inc. is a provider of global business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions to organizations seeking optimal cost savings, improved business processes, and operational integrity. Headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, Aegis InterWorld enables customers to integrate off-shore resources, market-tested technologies, and proven outsourcing best practices to achieve a higher level of quality across the entire enterprise.

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Saturday, June 11, 2005

Lean Six Sigma Initiative: Transformation Critical ...

Lean Six Sigma Initiative: Transformation Critical: NAVSEA Commander's Guidance Continues the Transformation ...

... "The guidance addresses five areas vital to the continued transformation: Human Capital Strategy, Lean/Six-Sigma Implementation, Capturing Cost Reductions, Improving and Measuring Productivity, and the Virtual Systems Command (SYSCOM) initiative. While addressing specific areas, Balisle emphasized that the Human Capital Strategy will guide efforts for the year. " ...

Lean initiative is vital to transformation ...

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Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement ...

Lean Six Sigma Process Improvement: U.S. Department of Defense Transformation Story - U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command Realigns Process Improvement Disciplines

... "The five-day Green Belt training is designed to provide a practitioner's level of understanding and application of the Lean Six-Sigma process improvement methodology. The course addresses the technical, cultural, financial and management components of process improvement. " ...

Process improvement methods are accelerated when Lean Six Sigma is applied.  Grean and Black Belt training prepares the practitioner to solve challenging problems ...

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Tuesday, June 07, 2005

Lean Manufacturing DemandPull Management ...

Lean Manufacturing DemandPull Management: Webinar Demonstration ...

Web seminar by Pelion on their demand management solution for supporting lean manufacturing techniques, such as demand-pull ...

... "Manufacturing Process Optimization (MPO) Demand Manager, Date: Thursday, July 14, 2005 from 1:00-2:00 pm EST, Speaker: Dave Gleditsch, Chief Technology Officer, Pelion Systems, Inc. ... Objective: Dave Gleditsch, will host a complimentary Webinar to demonstrate Demand Manager and highlight how it’s driving automated demand-pull manufacturing at a major Tier 1 automotive supplier and a major consumer appliances manufacturer. " ...


... Demand-Pull system capabilities are integral to optimization of the manufacturing process which leads to excellence in lean manufacturing.

Pelion Systems is the market leader in Manufacturing Process Optimization (MPO) software products and services based on Lean, Six Sigma, and Flow Manufacturing principles. With Pelion, leading manufacturers are able to liberate capital, grow profits and sustain breakthrough performance by optimizing operations and extend their supply network to include suppliers, customers and outsourced service providers in their business transformation. Pelion MPO integrates easily with existing ERP, MRP and APS systems and is able to scale from a single facility to an enterprise implementation. Based in Boulder, Colo., Pelion has sales and marketing offices in Chicago, Detroit and Austin.

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Sunday, May 22, 2005

Lean Business Process Transformation

U.S. Department of Defense Transformation Story - U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command's Lean Initiative Improves Business Practice

... "At that session, leadership worked at finalizing plans to rollout the Lean process throughout the command enterprise. The overall benefits of implementing Lean can be broken down into three categories: operational, administrative, and strategic improvements. " ...

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Sunday, May 15, 2005

Lean Process Transformation ...

U.S. Department of Defense Transformation Story - Understanding the Lean Process

... "To understand the Lean process, you must be able to recognize a value stream, define Six Sigma and Theory of Constraint. To define a value stream you must know that it includes all the steps (both value added and non-value added) in a process that the customer is willing to pay for in order to bring a product, or service through the main flow essential to producing that product or service. " ...

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Saturday, March 12, 2005

Implement Lean Manufacturing Techniques In Small and Medium Size Manufacturers

Implement Lean Manufacturing Techniques: YESCO Signs on With Arizona MEP for Quality Improvement

YESCO receives lean manufacturing consulting help and technical assistance from Arizona MEP to support its transformation ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... on time. The Arizona MEP helps small and medium sized manufacturers implement Lean Manufacturing (Lean) techniques. Lean utilizes ...

... Known for its larger-than-life neon signs like "Vegas Vic" a 75 foot tall neon cowboy who stands over the Las Vegas strip, the Young Electric Sign Company (YESCO) is a national leader in the sign making industry. And with the help of the Arizona Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Arizona MEP), YESCO's Chandler division is lighting the way for internal improvement and quality upgrades. The Arizona MEP helps small and medium sized manufacturers implement Lean Manufacturing (Lean) techniques. Lean utilizes simple but effective methods to identify wasteful processes, reduce inventories, clear shop floors and streamline production methods, all with a goal of decreasing costs and increasing productivity. ...


The Arizona MEP is an affiliate of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) under the U.S. Department of Commerce. The national MEP is a network of manufacturing extension centers that provide business and technical assistance to smaller manufacturers in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Through MEP, manufacturers have access to more than 2000 manufacturing and business "coaches" whose job is to help firms make changes that lead to greater productivity, increased profits, and enhanced global competitiveness.

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Tuesday, March 08, 2005

Six Sigma Partnership Drives Culture Shift Transformation ...

Six Sigma Partnership Drives Culture Shift Transformation: Pelion Systems and the Lean Learning Center Partner to Help ...

Partners strive to transform the Lean Six Sigma culture within organizations ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... Systems Pelion Systems is the market leader in Manufacturing Process Optimization (MPO) software products and services based on Lean, Six Sigma, and Flow ...

... Pelion Systems, the market leader in Manufacturing Process Optimization (MPO) solutions, and the Lean Learning Center (Novi, Mich.), a leading provider of Lean curriculum and consulting to a variety of industries, today announced a partnership aimed at helping manufacturers successfully adopt, implement and sustain Lean manufacturing processes. Pelion Systems and the Lean Learning Center will develop combined solutions that address the cultural side of Lean manufacturing transformation while accelerating the adoption process through the utilization of specialized software products. ...


The Lean Learning Center was founded in early 2001 by manufacturing and consulting industry veterans Andy Carlino, Jamie Flinchbaugh and Dennis Pawley to address the gaps and barriers that are holding back companies from successful Lean transformation. In combination with corporate partner Achievement Dynamics, a provider of management consulting, the companies
provide a full complement of lean transformation services. Industries served include manufacturing, healthcare, public utilities, retail, aerospace, communications, technology, investment equity, service and more.

Pelion Systems is the market leader in Manufacturing Process Optimization (MPO) software products and services based on Lean, Six Sigma, and Flow manufacturing principles. With Pelion, leading manufacturers are able to liberate capital, grow profits and sustain breakthrough performance by optimizing operations and extending their supply network to include suppliers, customers and outsourced service providers in their business transformation. Pelion MPO integrates easily with existing ERP and MRP systems and is available in desktop, site and enterprise editions. Based in Lafayette, Colo., Pelion has sales and marketing offices in Chicago, Detroit and Austin.

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Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Lean Manufacturing Drives Change to Improve Efficiency ...

Lean Manufacturing Drives Change to Improve Efficiency: HEI Earns Supplier Excellence Award

HEI began a manufacturing transformation which leverages the lean manufacturing methodology, which focuses on eliminating waste and drives significant efficiencies ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... HEI began implementing changes to its manufacturing processes through lean manufacturing, a methodology that focuses on improving efficiency and eliminating ...

... HEI, Inc. (Nasdaq: HEII) has received the first Supplier Excellence Award from ETHICON Inc., in recognition of its work as a manufacturer and supplier for the ETHICON GYNECARE THERMACHOICE Uterine Balloon Therapy System and Motor Drive Unit. HEI exceeded the ETHICON award criteria, which require meeting the ETHICON standards three out of four quarters in a calendar year. In 2004, HEI met the ETHICON guidelines in all four quarters. ...


HEI, Inc. designs, develops and manufactures microelectronics, subsystems, systems, connectivity and software solutions for OEMs engaged in the medical equipment and medical device, hearing, communications and RFID industries. HEI provides its customers with a single point of contact that can take an idea from inception to a fully functional, cost effective and manufacturability product utilizing innovative design solutions and by the application of state-of-the-art materials, processes and manufacturing capabilities.

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Sunday, February 20, 2005

Six Sigma DOD Transformation Story ...

U.S. Department of Defense Transformation Story - Soldiers Learn to Operate Shop Van Equipment

From Naval Sea Systems Command, Shirley J. Copeland writes ...

... "Implementation of 'Lean Six-Sigma' practices has been sweeping throughout the private sector for about a decade now. What is less known is that they are also being widely embraced throughout the Department of Defense. Over the last several years, many commands within the Navy, Marines, Army, and Air Force have implemented Lean Six-Sigma at their activities to improve productivity, efficiency, and quality." ...

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Friday, February 18, 2005

3M Six Sigma Transformation Is Accelerating ...

3M Six Sigma Transformation: 3M Highlights Progress and Performance at Investor Meeting

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... "3M is in the midst of a transformation," McNerney said. "Six Sigma, 3M Acceleration and our other corporate initiatives are now integrated into every business ...

... 3M's future is brighter than ever, W. James McNerney, Jr., chairman of the board and CEO, told 3M investors and analysts today at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. "3M is in the midst of a transformation," McNerney said. "Six Sigma, 3M Acceleration and our other corporate initiatives are now integrated into every business, every function and every subsidiary of 3M, and we expect they will generate both productivity improvements and revenue growth for years to come. Our organic growth engine continues to strengthen through our 3M Acceleration initiative, through our extensive international reach, and through new technology platforms that are moving us into faster-growth markets." He also noted that these initiatives are clearly raising the performance levels of our legacy businesses. ...


Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company's customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M's brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers in more than 200 countries around the world, the company's 67,000 people use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation.

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