Lean Pharma Processes

The clinical value chain can benefit from the application of lean methods in the pharma industry. ...

... "With its prospect of rapid and easily realizable productivity improvements, it is Lean manufacturing that offers the most promise. Unlike Six Sigma, Lean does not require sophisticated statistical knowledge to be effective. Lean, when properly applied, focuses upon executing a process the best way possible ... " ...

Via Pharmaceutical Processing: Pharma Lean

PPG Six Sigma for Auto Refinishing Value Chain

PPG offers Lean Six Sigma training for customer partners in its automotive refinishing value chain, such as collision centers. ...

... "The training, a four-day intensive learning event, is intended for collision center owners and managers and teaches the practical applications of Lean Six Sigma techniques to boost quality, speed, cost performance and competitiveness at repair facilities. It will be offered Oct. 5-8 in Albuquerque, N.M., Nov. 16-20 in Eagan, Minn., and Dec. 7-10 in Los Angeles. " ...

Via PPG Industries: Schedule for MVP Green Belt training

Six Sigma Integrates the Value Chain

Six Sigma is key ingredient to positioning Ring Power as an integrated, efficient value chain participant. ...

... "Since mid-2007, though, Ring Power has been able to apply the process to its own operations and organization, creating a continuous improvement culture of its own that meshes with but does not exactly reflect Caterpillar's. " ...

Via Purchasing: Six Sigma

Lean Manufacturing Requires Shop Floor Visibility

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

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

Via PCQuest: Factory Future State Vision

Factory Future Now

The future of manufacturing is moving past lean to adaptive manufacturing, intelligent automation, sensor networks, and new models for collaboration across the value chain. ...

... "What kinds of technology will enable an adaptive manufacturing environment? Machine vision is an important example of the sort of technology that is converting manufacturing into an information-based process. " ...

Via CIO: The Future Factory

Logistics Six Sigma Savings: 3M Brazil

3M will outsource pallet management to CHEP, trasitioning from exchange pallets. Using the Six Sigma DMAIC process, 3M validates significant room for improvement in its pallet operation. It expects to realize benefits with potential cost reductions for transportation and storage. ...

... "To determine whether CHEP services were appropriate for the company's operations, 3M used Six Sigma processes, solicited feedback from wholesale and superstore retail customers and conducted a comprehensive reference call at the Brazilian facilities of a leading global consumer products company. During the review process, managers identified a chance to decrease loss of pallets and reduce the quantity of renewed equipment derived by costumer returns. " ...

Via CHEP: 3M Brazil Sees Cost Savings With CHEP Program

CHEP is the global leader in pallet and container pooling services serving many of the world's largest companies. The company has more than 7,700 employees and operates in 44 countries. Combining superior technology and an asset base of more than 280 million pallets and containers, CHEP offers its customers exceptional value, a platform that enables reduction in customer product damage, and an environmentally sustainable logistical solution. Supply chains served include consumer goods, produce, beverage, and the automotive industry. With global partners that include Procter & Gamble, SYSCO, Kellogg's, Kraft, Nestle, Ford and GM, CHEP is known for Handling the World's Most Important Products. Everyday.

3M Brazil uses a number of management methods in its operations, such as theory of constraints in its supply chain. ...

Via AGI-Goldratt Institute: TOC World 2000 Video Presentations: "3M Brazil successfully applies the Theory of Constraints to their Sales and Operational Plan (SOP) to define their ideal sales mix in terms of addressing the market, the impact on production, and to evaluate the impact on their bottom line. "

In addition to its efficiency focus, 3M Brazil focuses on sustainability in its manufacturing operations. Its skills in pollution prevention are showcased here. ...

3P Examples: "3P team from 3M Brazil's Itapetininga facility replaced the solvent-based paper treatment process the plant used to manufacture packaging, medical and masking tapes with a new, water-based process. As a result of this change, the facility reduced solvent emissions by over 45 tons per year. "

Lean Value Chain Efficiency

Local manufacturers in mining industry use lean manufacturing techniques in their value chain to drive efficiencies. ...

... "Lean manufacturing has done a lot for the company in two years, Raffaelli said. Assembly time for a telehandler has been cut roughly in half to 16 hours. Assembly line stations are down to five from 11. " ...

Via The Daily Mining Gazette: Terex Handlers implementing lean manufacturing ...

Kaizen Supply Chain ...

Supply chain successes discussed ...

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

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

Huntsman SixSigma: Order-to-Cash Efficiency ...

... "SunGard announced that Huntsman Corporation has selected its AvantGard GETPAID Order-to-Cash solution to help improve efficiency and productivity in support of its Six Sigma initiatives. Huntsman, a global manufacturer of commodity chemicals, is integrating AvantGard GETPAID with its SAP enterprise system to help improve cash flow and reduce operating expenses. AvantGard GETPAID helps customers to improve control of financial performance and operational efficiency contributing to working capital optimization.

The Order-To-Cash process links key activities in the financial value chain, including credit analysis and approval, cash collections, dispute resolution, cash application, and financial analysis and reporting. Historically, these operations have been highly inefficient due to the lack of automated and integrated systems for Order-to-Cash management. Effective management of accounts receivable is a critical area to target for process improvements as it is a key driver of cash, cost containment and customer relationships. Business process optimization through quality initiatives such as Six Sigma can help revitalize companies and produce bottom-line results. Fine-tuning processes around the treatment of trade receivables helps yield ROI improvements as evidenced through lower DSO, reduced bad debt expense, interest expense savings and increased productivity. " ...

Huntsman SixSigma: Order-to-Cash Efficiency: Via SunGard: SunGard's AvantGard GETPAID to Help Huntsman Corporation to Manage Growth and Improve Operational Efficiency

Lean Manufacturing: SPC Statistical Process Control Software ...

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

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

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

Business Transformation Through Six Sigma Methodology ...

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

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

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

Lean Strategy Takes Time ...

Report shows the benefits of Lean, but implementing the strategy takes time ...

... "The benefits are clear, but manufacturers adopting Lean strategies must be in it for the long haul because pervasive use of Lean processes and the resulting performance improvement take time, according to the results of Aberdeen's survey. " ...

Lean Strategy Takes Time: The Lean Strategies Benchmark Report: Manufacturing Excellence Moves to the Value Chain by Infor Global Solutions - Analyst Report - Via InformationWeek White Papers

Six Sigma: Cessna Success ...

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

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

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



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

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

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

Lean Manufacturing: Microsoft Roadshow in Europe ...

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

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

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

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

Additional Microsoft resources on lean manufacturing ...

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

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

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

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

Kaizen: Solectron Lean Sourcing ...

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

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

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

Manufacturing Intelligence Software Evolution ...

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

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

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

Software Supports Manufacturing Agility ...

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

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

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

Additional resources on manufacturing agility:

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

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

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

Value Chain Blueprint: BSC Alternative ...

Value Chain Blueprint: BSC Alternative: Overview on business process integration

... "a new approach to performance management, value chain blueprint (it does a better job in assessing intangible assets than balanced scorecard) " ...

Xerox Global Process Improvement: Six Sigma ...

Xerox leverages Lean Six Sigma as competitive advantage in their marketplace, extending its use in their value chain to drive global process improvement. ...

Xerox Global Process Improvement: Six Sigma: Via Xerox: Xerox CEO Says Color, Services, Partnerships are Keys to Drive Growth, Customer Value: New services for large enterprises, products for small businesses; OfficeMax signs $18 million contract ...

... "To expand its leadership position, Mulcahy said Xerox has placed top priority on improving all kinds of customer interactions. A series of Xerox Lean Six Sigma projects has been launched to make it easier and more effective to work with Xerox. Global process improvements are under way in areas such as account management, billing, and customer support. " ...

Six Sigma Productivity Advancement: Dupont Actions Drive Value

Dupont leverages their Six Sigma heritage and SAP ERP information technology foundation to drive to new levels of value through the advancement of productivity. ...

Six Sigma Productivity Advancement: Dupont Actions Drive Value: Via DuPont: DuPont Announces Actions To Increase Shareholder Value ...

... "Productivity Advancement: DuPont will accelerate work already underway to standardize and simplify its operating processes and will reduce its functional support costs to externally-benchmarked top-quartile standards. This work will make full utilization of the investment in new state-of-the-art information technology for business and financial systems (SAP) implemented over the past five years. Building on its well-established Six Sigma base, the focus will include lean global supply chain practices to strengthen service, reduce costs and reduce inventory. Chief Operating Officer Richard Goodmanson will manage the process, with quarterly external progress reports. " ...

Kaizen Focus: Lean and Efficient

The Solectron Production System leverages lean manufacturing and Kaizen techniques to drive operational efficiency. Karl Schoenberger explores Solectron's kaizen approach and the implications on the company and the value chain it operates within ...

Kaizen Focus: Lean and Efficient: Via MercuryNews: Kaizen: Japanese philosophy gives Solectron focus

... "Even if kaizen succeeds in transforming Solectron's top layer of contract manufacturing, there are questions about how far down the food chain it can go. " ...

Agile Manufacturing: Profit Velocity ...

Agile manufacturers focus visibility on the profit velocity of the product being produced. Adoption of lean manufacturing principles can be leveraged for agile performance ...

Via Innovation in Canada: The Canadian Manufacturing Processes Sector

... "The proponents of agile state that the goal of manufacturing is to drive as much profit as possible through the facility in the least amount of time. This concept has been termed Profit Velocity. It incorporates the idea that the goal of Customer Relations Management is win-win success, with a higher value to end customers and strong profits throughout the supply chain. Although phrased differently, it emphasizes some of the same basic concepts as lean, which include innovation, creativity, alignment, focus, collaboration, speed and change. " ...

Reference material on the use of profit velocity in agile manufacturing:

... "Agile Manufacturing: Activities are described both financial and non-financial measures. It makes distinctions between absolute profitability and profitability per unit of time.This is achieved through using profit velocity. Profit velocity is based on the observation that company profitability is a function of the absolute profitability and the number of products that can be produced during a period of time. " ...

... "Journey towards agility: Flexible assets and systems refer to facilities, systems and software. This includes buildings, services, production layout, technologies, IT, equipment and control systems. Assets and systems need to be lean – having a minimum of waste with an organisation designed to improve the effectiveness of all aspects of the operations ... " ...

Lean Six Sigma Methodology: Kaizen Competition

Lean Six Sigma Methodology: Kaizen Competition: Via Solectron: Solectron Drives Lean Six Sigma Manufacturing to its Suppliers: First Annual Award Judges Include Lean author, Jim Womack and Toyota Production System Expert Chichiro Nakao-San ...

Solectron drives operational efficiency through kaizen competition using its own flavor of the Lean Six Sigma Methodology ...

... "Solectron announced the Penang, Malaysia, facility as the winner of Solectron's first annual Global SPS Kaizen Competition. SPS is the company's industry-leading Lean Six Sigma methodology for continuous manufacturing improvement in quality and efficiency. Solectron employees have completed more than 5,000 Kaizens, a Japanese term that means continuous improvement, this year throughout its global operations. ... Entries for the contest were submitted from over 50 Solectron sites around the world. From those entries, 11 finalists from Europe, Asia and the Americas gathered in San Jose, Calif., to recognize the winner. Judges included Jim Womack, founder of the Lean Enterprise Institute and co-author of Lean Thinking and Chichiro Nakao-San, who spent over 30 years at Toyota Corporation refining its ground-breaking manufacturing methodology. ... Solectron's 2005 Supplier Day formally launched Solectron's Lean supplier program, which forms the foundation of Solectron's vision to deliver competitive supply chain solutions to its customers. The one-day event included breakout sessions on Lean 101, an introduction to the Solectron Production System; Solectron's Lean supply chain program; an overview of increasing customer value through design and engineering for Lean production; and Lean deployment from a supplier perspective. " ...

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.

Six Sigma Production Efficiency: Global Manufacturing Network ...

Six Sigma Production Efficiency: Global Manufacturing Network: Via Celanese: Celanese Chemicals Announces Emulsions Price Increases ...

... "Celanese Emulsions, a business of Celanese Chemicals, is a global supplier of emulsion and adhesive polymers to the architectural coatings, adhesives, paper, nonwovens, textiles and building products industries. It is aggressively adopting best practices and implementing Six Sigma initiatives across its global manufacturing sites to increase production efficiency and improve supply chain economics. " ...

Celanese Corporation (NYSE:CE) is an integrated global producer of value-added industrial chemicals based in Dallas, Texas. The Company has four major businesses: Chemicals Products, Technical Polymers Ticona, Acetate Products and Performance Products. Celanese has production plants in 13 countries in North America, Europe and Asia. In 2004, Celanese Corporation and its predecessor had combined net sales of $5.1 billion. The presentation of combined net sales of Celanese Corporation with its predecessor is not in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Lean Manufacturing Facility Design ...

Lean Manufacturing Facility Design: ModusLink Expands its Utah Operations ...

Facility design incorporates lean manufacturing techniques to achieve high-performance supply chain ...

... "The new facility adds 174,624 square feet of operational space and capacity to the current global footprint. Employing lean manufacturing techniques, the center was designed and equipped with highly skilled personnel, equipment, systems and business processes to implement the most efficient and cost effective supply chain solutions. " ...

ModusLink is a leading provider of global supply chain management solutions. The company provides global technology clients in the software, hardware, telecommunications and wireless markets with customized supply chain solutions that reduce risk and time to market and improve efficiency and productivity. ModusLink's services include demand planning, sourcing and procurement, manufacturing support, kitting and assembly, fulfillment, full-cycle logistics, systems integration and development, customer support and optimization consulting. Headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, ModusLink maintains 37 facilities in 13 countries and employs 3,900 people worldwide. The company is a subsidiary of CMGI, Inc.

Additional resources on lean manufacturing facility designs:

Facilities In Lean Manufacturing Strategy: Lean Manufacturing is all about adding value and avoiding waste. Facility planning (land, buildings, equipment, furnishings) provides the physical capability to add value. ...

Items included in facilities design are plant location, building design, plant layout, and materials handling. The focus of this text is on designing lean manufacturing facilities. This means that all aspects of production should work together to eliminate waste.

Facilities Design for Lean: The lean facility design concentrates on adding value at each activity. This is done by creating one piece flow through cells dedicated to product families. Pull is created through kanban and visual systems. Quick setups are a necessity.

RFID Company Lean Manufacturing Value ...

RFID Company Lean Manufacturing Value: Wherenet: WHERENET SALUTED AS A HOT COMPANY BY START MAGAZINE FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR: Inbound Logistics and Supply & Demand Chain Executive Magazines Also Recognize WhereNet for Driving Innovation and a Strong Return on Investment for Global Customers Leveraging the Company’s Active RFID-Based Real-Time Locating System Technology ...

... "WhereNet stands out as a market leader because its active RFID technology has been commercially deployed and has delivered proven business value for more than five years, said John Buell, editor-in-chief of Start magazine. WhereNet's applications are transforming business processes and driving new lean manufacturing principles for leading manufacturers around the world. " ...

WhereNet is the first company to deliver a single wireless location and communication infrastructure that reliably and cost-effectively manages valuable mobile resources and delivers a complete return on investment within 6-12 months. Based on patented, standards-compliant technology resulting from a collective 100+ years of development, the WhereNet real-time solutions enable companies such as BMW, Ford Motor Company, and NYK Logistics to reduce inventory, lower operating costs, and improve operations. The company has received the Henry Ford Technology Award; was recognized for strong ROI by Computerworld; was ranked among the top 10 in the InfoWorld 100; and has been recognized as a wireless innovator by Forrester Research, Computerworld ROI, Frontline Solutions, Plant Engineering, and Supply Chain Systems magazines. Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with offices throughout the United States and Europe, WhereNet is funded by Crosspoint Venture Partners, Foundation Capital, Bay Partners, Crescendo Ventures, and Sun Microsystems.

Six Sigma Inventory Control System ...

Six Sigma Inventory Control System: Brightstar Awarded U.S. Patent for Customer-Focused Serialization Inventory Control System ...

... "The system monitors and tracks wireless devices through their lifecycle, collecting and storing data as they move through the supply chain. Accuracy and quality are key components of the Brightstar created solution. Since commercial deployment, Brightstar has exceeded Six Sigma quality standards. To achieve Six Sigma, a process must not produce more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. " ...

Brightstar Corp. is a leading distributor and provider of value added supply chain services to the wireless telecom industry, and also designs and manufactures products under licensing agreements with leading manufacturers. Headquartered in Miami, FL, Brightstar has operations in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, the U.S. and Venezuela with its most recent distribution operations located in Australia. The company serves over 160 network operators and 15,000 resellers, retailers and agents around the world and also represents many of the world's leading wireless manufacturers. During the year ending 2004, Brightstar's revenues exceeded $1.7 billion.

Agile Lean Manufacturing Principles Through Better Planning

Agile Lean Manufacturing Principles Through Better Planning: Nissan North America Selects i2 Solutions to Help Enable Business Agility ...

i2's planning software selected by Nissan to drive agile business processes based on lean manufacturing principles ...

... "NNA selected i2 Factory Planner and i2 Master Data Management with a goal of gaining greater business agility through improved planning and data management. NNA goals include developing an improved scheduling process and inventory management capabilities. i2 Factory Planner is designed to allow companies to more precisely manage key manufacturing variables, from work center capacity and setup times to materials and labor availability, due dates and corporate production policies. It is built on the principles of lean manufacturing and constraint-based planning, to get the best throughput and customer service levels at the lowest inventory level and cost. i2 Master Data Management is designed to create a single enterprise thesaurus that can ensure data is consistently described, used, and stored within an organization. This approach can create a framework through which data is authored, monitored and maintained, and ensure the coordination of business systems that touch the data. " ...

Nissan North America is a separate corporation whose operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing.

i2 is a leading provider of demand-driven supply chain solutions designed to enable business agility. i2's flexible solutions can synchronize demand and supply across an ever-changing global supply network. Nineteen of the AMR Research Top 25 Global Supply Chains belong to companies who are i2 customers. Seven of the Fortune global top 10 are also customers of i2. Founded in 1988 with a commitment to customer success and supply chain innovation, i2 has a history of delivering value by implementing solutions designed to provide a rapid return on investment.

Lean Manufacturing Best Practices: Supply Chain Agility ...

i2 and Microsoft Form Strategic Alliance; i2 to Deliver Supply Chain Agility on Microsoft Platform ...

i2 and Microsoft combine expertise to drive lean manufacturing principles through the supply chain ...

... "Today's supply chain requires global, real-time insight across the value chain. Manufacturers are pressured to adopt lean manufacturing best practices, but struggle to justify the hefty investment that typically accompanies such initiatives. Microsoft and i2 are committed to helping their industry partners and customers get the most out of legacy investments and extend their capabilities to optimize supply chain performance. " ...

i2 (OTC: ITWH) is a leading provider of demand-driven supply chain solutions designed to enable business agility. i2’s flexible solutions can synchronize demand and supply across an ever-changing global supply network. Nineteen of the AMR Research Top 25 Global Supply Chains belong to companies who are i2 customers. Seven of the Fortune global top 10 are also customers of i2. Founded in 1988 with a commitment to customer success and supply chain innovation, i2 has a history of delivering value by implementing solutions designed to provide a rapid return on investment.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Microsoft Supports Lean Manufacturing Software Capability in Automotive Industry ...

Microsoft Drives Insight and Innovation for the Automotive Community With Peak Performance Initiative

... "At the Microsoft Global Automotive Summit,Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates teamed with Microsoft Corp.'s automotive team in announcing the Peak Performance Initiative, designed to help the automotive community accelerate insight through advanced analysis services, drive innovation through collaboration, and improve performance via increased visibility into operations across the automotive supply chain. ... Automotive OEMs and suppliers are under tremendous pressures to improve performance in a highly competitive, cost-sensitive environment. To succeed, these companies are looking for solutions that cut across and integrate the entire value stream. In support of Microsoft's Peak Performance Initiative, we are coupling Microsoft technology with Avanade's holistic enterprise expertise to meet the challenges of the automotive industry. Avanade's solutions enable collaborative product design, demand-driven lean manufacturing and supply management, global sourcing, and global operations management. " ...

-- Michael Merfeld, Solution Director, Microsoft Business Solutions, Avanade

Microsoft has been working with the automotive industry for more than a decade. In manufacturing, Microsoft works with industry-leading partners to develop solutions based on Microsoft technologies that enable OEMs, suppliers and customers to improve efficiency, effectiveness and knowledge across the business. Through business applications, .NET technologies and enterprise platform support, manufacturers are able to accelerate time to market, collaborate globally with engineers, reduce costs by leveraging the power of the Internet, and increase visibility into their production and supply chain processes. From an in-vehicle technology perspective, Microsoft's Automotive Business Unit works collaboratively with the auto industry to deliver technology designed for advanced in-car information, navigation and entertainment systems. Microsoft technology is on the road today in 25 preinstalled and aftermarket devices from 13 world-class automakers and suppliers, including Acura, BMW, Citroën, Clarion, Fiat, Subaru, Honda, Hyundai, DaimlerChrysler, Mitsubishi, NexTech, Toyota and Volvo.

CAIV Cost As Independent Variable ...

ACC: Acquisition Community Connection

... "Some key methods that are considered essential Cost As an Independent Variable (CAIV) tools are design trades (making decisions that balance cost and performance), allocation (breaking down cost targets and performance requirements for your design teams), cost estimating and analysis (developing responsive cost tools that predict life cycle cost for a given design), requirements analysis (including tools like Voice of the Customer (VoC) and Quality Function Deployment (QFD) to translate customer/warfighter requirements to design, risk analysis (properly using risk information to adjust trades), Pareto analysis (focusing your efforts on the most important decisions), Value Engineering (identifying opportunities for improvement where cost and performance are out of balance), Design To Cost (achieving cost targets within design teams), and supplier partnerships (working with other members of the value chain to achieve cost reductions). " ...

GE Six Sigma Career Pays Off ...

GE Six Sigma Career Pays Off: IKON Names Hickling as Head of Operations, Promotes Hershey to ...

IKON Office appoints GE Six Sigma veteran to customer care and supply chain leadership position ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Hickling brings nearly three decades of experience with General Electric Corporation in management, operations, marketing, finance and Six Sigma roles. ...

... IKON Office Solutions (NYSE:IKN), the world's largest independent channel for document management systems and services, today announced the appointment of Jeffrey W. Hickling to the position of senior vice president of operations, and the promotion of Mark A. Hershey to the position of senior vice president, general counsel and secretary. Both Hickling and Hershey will report to Matthew J. Espe, IKON's chairman and chief executive officer. As senior vice president of operations, Hickling will provide leadership to IKON's customer care centers and supply chain organization. Hickling brings nearly three decades of experience with General Electric Corporation in management, operations, marketing, finance and Six Sigma roles. ...

IKON Office Solutions Inc. (www.ikon.com), the world's largest independent channel for copier, printer and MFP technologies, delivers integrated document management solutions and systems, enabling customers worldwide to improve document workflow and increase efficiency. IKON integrates best-in-class systems from leading manufacturers, such as Canon, Ricoh, Konica Minolta, EFI and HP, and document management software from companies like Captaris, EMC (Documentum), Kofax and others, to deliver tailored, high-value solutions implemented and supported by its global services organization--IKON Enterprise Services. IKON represents one of the industry's broadest portfolios of document management services, including professional services, on-site managed services, legal document services, customized workflow solutions, and comprehensive support through its service force of 16,600 employees, including its team of 7,000 customer

Six Sigma Supplier Performance ...

Six Sigma Supplier Performance: Asyst Awards Solectron 2004 Distinguished Supplier Award

Solectron awarded supplier performance award, leveraging Six Sigma to improve quality ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... "With Solectron's emphasis on Lean manufacturing to reduce waste in the production process and its Six Sigma system to increase quality, our products are ...

... Solectron Corporation (NYSE:SLR), a leading provider of electronics manufacturing and integrated supply chain services, said today its Shinei subsidiary was awarded the Distinguished Supplier Award for 2004 by Asyst Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ASYT) for its Singapore system-integration operations. This award recognizes the special arrangements Shinei put in place, including utilizing cleanroom facilities, to meet the company's requirements to manufacture its semiconductor manufacturing equipment, such as Asyst's new 300mm wafer handling solution, the Spartan(TM) Sorter. ...

Asyst Technologies, Inc. is a leading provider of integrated automation solutions that enable semiconductor and flat panel display (FPD) manufacturers to increase their manufacturing productivity and protect their investments in materials during the manufacturing process. Encompassing isolation systems, work-in-process materials management, substrate-handling robotics, automated transport and loading systems and connectivity automation software, Asyst's modular, interoperable solutions allow chip and FPD manufacturers, as well as original equipment manufacturers, or OEMs, to select and employ the value-assured, hands-off manufacturing capabilities that best suit their needs.

Solectron provides a full range of worldwide manufacturing and integrated supply chain services to the world's premier high-tech electronics 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.

Lean Manufacturing Shingo Prize ...

Lean Manufacturing Shingo Prize: Celestica wins prestigious Shingo Prize for Lean manufacturing ...

Celestica manufacturing wins Shingo Prize for lean manufacturing excellence ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... dramatic performance improvements in lead-time reduction and process improvements, and pass a site audit by a team of Lean manufacturing experts appointed by ...

... Celestica Inc. (NYSE: CLS, TSX: CLS/SV), a world leader in electronics manufacturing services (EMS), today announced its facility in Monterrey, Mexico won the prestigious 2005 Shingo Prize, for manufacturing excellence - making Celestica the first EMS provider to be recognized with the honour. The acclaimed Shingo Prize, established in 1988, is awarded annually to companies that exhibit outstanding achievements in manufacturing practices which translate into strong customer satisfaction and business results. Celestica was recognized with the Shingo 'Business Prize' for demonstrating significant improvements that highlight the value of using Lean practices to attain world-class status in manufacturing. ...

Celestica is a world leader in the delivery of innovative electronics manufacturing services (EMS). Celestica operates a highly sophisticated global manufacturing network with operations in Asia, Europe and the Americas, providing a broad range of integrated services and solutions to leading OEMs (original equipment manufacturers). Celestica's expertise in quality, technology and supply chain management, and leadership in the global deployment of Lean principles, enables the company to provide competitive advantage to its customers by improving time-to-market, scalability and manufacturing efficiency.

The Shingo Prize for Excellence in Manufacturing is named for Japanese industrial engineer Shigeo Shingo, who distinguished himself as one of the world's leading experts in improving manufacturing processes. Dr. Shingo has been described as an "engineering genius" who helped create and write about many aspects of the revolutionary manufacturing practices which comprise the renowned Toyota Production System. The Prize was established in 1988 to promote awareness of Lean manufacturing concepts and recognize companies in the United States, Canada, and Mexico that achieve world-class manufacturing status. The Shingo Prize philosophy is that world-class business performance may be achieved through focused improvements in core manufacturing and business processes.

Theory of Contraints Drives Line of Sight ...

NBC Enterprise Architecture Team

... "The indirect or direct cause and effect relationship from a specific IT investment to the processes it supports, and by extension the customers it serves and the mission-related outcomes it contributes to. This line of sight is critical for IT project managers, program managers, and key decision-makers to understand how and to what extent technology is enabling progress towards outputs and outcomes. The PRM captures this line of sight to reflect how value is created as inputs (such as Technology) are used to help create outputs (through Processes and Activities), which in turn impact outcomes (such as Mission and Business). This structure builds from the concepts of the value chain, program logic models, and the theory of constraints. Guiding the entire PRM are Strategic Outcomes, which represent broad, policy priorities that drive the direction of government (such as to Secure the Homeland or Expand E-Government). " ...

Theory of Constraints in Enterprise Architecture: Performance Reference Models

Federal Enterprise Architecture: PERFORMANCE REFERENCE MODEL (PRM) ...

... "PRM attempts to leverage the best of existing approaches to performance measurement in the public and private sectors, including the Balanced Scorecard, Baldrige Criteria, Value Measurement Methodology, program logic models, the value chain, and the theory of constraints. In addition, the PRM was informed by what agencies are currently measuring through PART assessments, GPRA, Enterprise Architecture, and Capital Planning and Investment Control. Agencies use of the PRM will populate the model over time. The PRM is currently comprised of four measurement areas." ...

Pollution Prevention Lean Value Stream ...

Pollution Prevention - P2 Programs:Green Suppliers Network

... "Lean and Clean. Using Lean & Clean manufacturing practices, your GSN review team will focus on incorporating energy and materials efficiency and process optimization into the supply chain, which in turn can lead to substantial environmental benefits and reductions in labor and capital costs. The 360vu Review will produce process and value stream maps of a selected process in each facility." ...

Value Chain Supplier Kaizen. ...

Affecting the value chain through supplier kaizen ...

From Hosp Mater Manage Q, Forman CR, Vargas DH. write ...

... "In the aerospace industry, typically 60 percent of a product's cost and 70 percent of the lead time are due to purchased material. To affect price and customer responsiveness, improvement initiatives must be extended into the supply chain. Many companies have developed supply base management systems that include long-term agreements with suppliers, partnering with suppliers in risk taking and product design, information sharing, and quality and delivery rating systems. The premise is that suppliers are an extension of the factory. But to take full advantage of customer-supplier relationships, the suppliers must be 'developed' in the same manner as a manufacturing unit. Supplier kaizen is a method of bringing suppliers to the same level of operations as the parent company, through training and improvement projects, to ensure superior performance and nurture the trust that is required for strong partnerships. This article describes Sikorsky Aircraft's use of kaizen to improve its supply base management." ...

Lean Manufacturing Software to Enable Lean Enterprise for ETO companies

Lean Enterprise for ETO companies

... "Lean Enterprise for ETO companies by IFS: Lean Enterprise means taking the concepts of lean from the manufacturing environment and applying them throughout the entire ETO enterprise, including office-based activities, manufacturing and service functions. It covers the complete spectrum of the value chain, and focuses on the reduction or elimination of waste, i.e. any activity that does not add value for the customer." ...

IFS is one of the world’s leading providers of component-based business software developed using open standards. Since 1983, IFS has been a provider of business applications focused on meeting the needs of selected industries. Today, IFS operates in two areas: lifecycle management, where asset and product lifecycle management are critical issues, and midmarket ERP, which covers distribution and manufacturing in midsize companies.

Six Sigma Tool Enables Project Define Phase ...

Six Sigma Tool Enables Project Define Phase: ValueCurve(TM) Technologies Releases Project Business Case ...

From PR Newswire (press release) ... TM)Business Case module provides users a low-cost, standardized process for justifying projects such as ERP, Supply Chain, Six Sigma, Software Development and ...

... ValueCurve Technologies, a leading provider of Project Performance Management Solutions, today releases version 2.0 of its Business Case Justification Software as part of their modular, web-based ValueDriver4(TM)Project Performance Management software suite. The ValueDriver4(TM)Business Case module provides users a low-cost, standardized process for justifying projects such as ERP, Supply Chain, Six Sigma, Software Development and R&D initiatives. The Business Case module automates ValueCurve's proprietary Speed2Value(TM) methodology, which focuses on providing practical and winning project justifications that can be tracked to ensure ongoing benefits and project performances are achieved. ...

ValueCurve(TM) is a leader in project performance management for supply chain management, Six Sigma, PMO and ERP initiatives for Global 2000 organizations. ValueCurve offers professional services and performance management tools and methodologies such as the ValueDriver4(TM) software to provide a standardized approach for justifying projects, driving stakeholder accountability and delivering measurable value and ROI from project investments. ValueCurve professionals have deep technical and process knowledge with a proven track record from some of the world's leading organizations including Gillette, Johnson & Johnson, FMC, Saint-Gobain, P&G, Cytec, and Simon & Shuster.

Additional resources on project tools for the Six Sigma Define phase ...

DMAIC Quick Reference - Define Phase: Improvement team members fully trained on Six Sigma and DMAIC. ... with to ensure that the expected project completion date ... What tools and roadmaps did you use for ...

Microsoft Six Sigma Introduction to Six Sigma: Sigma can be used to guide process improvement projects. ... an overview of two common Six Sigma models, DMAIC ... These tools and techniques are applied within the ...

Six Sigma & STATISTICA: phase is concerned with the definition of project goals and ... the Analyze phase of the Six Sigma quality effort ... causes using the appropriate data analysis tools. ...

Lean Approach Enabled by Product Lifecycle Management PLM Software ...

Lean Approach Enabled by Product Lifecycle Management PLM: Agile Customer Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc. Receives ...

From PR Newswire, Jan 13, 2005 ... "Agile PLM is a critical enabler for our lean manufacturing approach that has become necessary throughout our complete supply chain. ...

... Agile Software Corporation (Nasdaq: AGIL), a leading provider of product lifecycle management (PLM) solutions, today announced that its customer, Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc. has been recognized by industry-leading publication, InfoWorld, as having one of the 100 most innovative corporate IT solutions in 2004. Each year, InfoWorld names 100 companies that have made the best use of technology to enhance their business. This year, the InfoWorld 100 included Saturn Electronics & Engineering's use of Agile PLM to reduce product development time, improve customer satisfaction, increase automotive business win rates and increase product profitability. ...

Saturn Electronics & Engineering, Inc. is a supplier of components and sub-systems to Original Equipment Manufacturers and their Tier 1 suppliers within the automotive industry. It offers its customers integrated, cost-effective solutions that are responsive to outsourcing needs and provides a broad range of services, including design and engineering, supply chain management, manufacturing and assembly, testing and qualification, and post-production support. Saturn's highly innovative products are designed, engineered, and manufactured worldwide.

Agile Software Corporation helps companies drive profits, accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance throughout the product lifecycle. With a broad suite of enterprise-class PLM solutions, time-to-value focused implementations, and a unique Guaranteed Business Results program, Agile helps companies get the most from their products. Alcatel, Boeing, Dell Inc., Flextronics International, GE Medical, Haemonetics, Hitachi, Johnson & Johnson, Leapfrog, Lockheed Martin, Magna Steyr, Siemens, QUALCOMM and ZF are among the over 1,200 customers in the automotive, aerospace and defense, consumer products, electronics, high tech, industrial products, and life sciences industries that have realized high impact results through their use of Agile solutions.

Additional resources on PLM enablers for lean manufacturing ...

Society of Manufacturing Engineers: SESSION: (327) Engineering Enablers for Lean Manufacturing. ... ROI they've derived from implementing PLM. ... re probably incorporating lean manufacturing within your ...

Leveraging associative product, process, plant and resource data: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... Teamcenter for Manufacturing enablers 7 ... fits all” approach to product lifecycle management (PLM). ... for Manufacturing enables lean manufacturing by helping you ...

PLM - A New Era of Collaboration: One of the key enablers is the Web, which serves ... focus on a particular slice of the PLM pie is ... Economy With the revitalization of the manufacturing economy our ...

PLM: Revenue Booster: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... among its enablers are a speedy and collabora- tive development function ... the PNPD and M&S functions to become lean, agile, and ... They are a key element of a PLM ...

Lean Manufacturing Drives Facility Rationalization ...

Lean Manufacturing Drives Facility Rationalization: Columbus McKinnon Announces Sale of Chicago Area Property

From PR Newswire (press release) ... The building was available for sale as a result of the facility rationalization and lean manufacturing efforts of Columbus McKinnon. ...

... Columbus McKinnon Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCO), a leading designer and manufacturer of material handling products, today reported that it had completed the sale of a 4.6 acre property that included a 116,000 square foot building in the Greater Chicago area for $3.675 million on January 13, 2005. The favorable effect to net income in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005 ending on March 31, 2005 will be $2.65 million, or approximately $0.18 per diluted share. The building was available for sale as a result of the facility rationalization and lean manufacturing efforts of Columbus McKinnon. ...

Columbus McKinnon is a leading worldwide designer and manufacturer of material handling products, systems and services, which efficiently and ergonomically move, lift, position or secure material. Key products include hoists, cranes, chain and forged attachments. The Company is focused on commercial and industrial applications that require the safety and quality provided by its superior design and engineering know-how.

Additional resources where lean manufacturing drives facility rationalization or footprint reduction ...

Strategy Services: Operational Excellence: Facility locating, rationalization, consolidation, expansion; Network footprint
modeling; Asset productivity; Value based cost reduction. ...

STRATEGIC PLAN: is our most important facilities rationalization initiative ... initiatives to reduce our footprint and reduce ... square foot benchmarks for facility construction and ...

Latest Supervisory and Control System for Advanced: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... Hitachi has proposed a wide variety of facility rationalization measures using the cutting-edge integrated autonomic control system. ...

Transforming Nortel’s Logistics Practices: outsourcing, the traditional manufacturer/customer relationship ... to relocate its manufacturing plant to another ... Footprint reduction The third phase involved ...

Webinar on Six Sigma Manufacturing Process Optimization MPO Services ...

Six Sigma Manufacturing Process Optimization MPO Services: Pelion Systems to Host Webinar on Aberdeen's New Manufacturing ...

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, today announced it will host a Webinar presenting Aberdeen Group's latest research report: The Manufacturing Performance Management Strategies Benchmark Report. Chris Jones, Aberdeen's senior vice president of value chain research, and Richard Sherman, Pelion's senior vice president of marketing will co-present key findings from the study on Wed., Jan. 12, 2005 at 12:30 p.m. EST. ...

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 to optimize operations and implements without operational disruption. Based in Lafayette, Colo., Pelion has sales and marketing offices in Chicago, Detroit and Austin.

Additional resource on six sigma and manufacturing process optimization MPO ...

Manufacturing Process Optimization Studies Employing Taguchi: PROCESS OPTIMIZATION STUDIES. Lambda Research offers manufacturing process optimization studies employing Taguchi experimental designs. ...

Building Process Optimization with Supply Chain Management in the: File Format: PDF/Adobe Acrobat ... Production process optimization with whole house redesign that is supported by efficient supply chain management system will contribute to improve the overall ...

Manufacturing and Process Optimization: Research in manufacturing and process optimization is focused on two areas: Chemical process optimization (Bill Morton) The aim of this work is to develop ...

Lean Manufacturing and Data Visibility: Unlocking Value with an Integrated Data Warehouse ...

Unlocking Value with an Integrated Data Warehouse ...

From Business intelligence, data warehousing and analytics editorial from DMReview ...

... "Headquartered in Milpitas, California, Solectron Corporation is a leading electronics manufacturing services (EMS) company. It provides global manufacturing and integrated supply chain services so that its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) customers in the electronics industries can focus on their core competencies and gain a competitive edge by turning to Solectron for important, but non-core activities. Solectron's services include collaborative design, lean manufacturing and fulfillment, and post-manufacturing services. With operations on five continents and locations in more than 15 countries, Solectron incorporates the principles of lean manufacturing and Six Sigma throughout its operations. " ...

GE Six Sigma - Span Reduction ...

GE Six Sigma - Span Reduction

From GE's Annual Report: GE Six Sigma program focuses on the customer through span reduction.

... Span is the variance in performance that customers detect. Customers feel span in delivery, service or financing. Reducing span continues to be one of GE's key goals. Different lines of business have focused on span reduction to meet rigorous requirements for delivery or introducing new production into the market for customers. It's all about saving time and money for customers. ...

Additional Six Sigma span reduction resources ...

GE's Six Sigma Focus On Span: Span is one way GE continues to focus on their customers (something they call "customer centricity"), while using Six Sigma to improve processes. ...

Feature: GE Brings Good Thinks to: Span reduction became a rallying cry. ... Mortgage insurance span went from 54 days to one ... Abeelen calls “a pretty logical business extension,” GE is deploying ...

Six Sigma - Statistical Tools - Valid or Hype? Value? Can a CQE do: except variance and unpredictability." Welch goes on to explain that span reduction became the ... span as a universal concept that could be used by GE world wide. ...

Power Protection - Our CEO speaks to you: E-business will reduce span through efficient supply chain management. ... "The E in GE is E-Business!" Samir Inamdar CEO & President Power Protection - India ...

Six Sigma Quality - Linking: Getting span to zero meant the customer always got the products when they asked for it. So GE was 3 years into six sigma before they “ Got it”. ...

Lean Manufacturing Principles: Surviving and Thriving with California's High Energy Costs; CMTC ...

Lean Manufacturing Principles: Surviving and Thriving with California's High Energy Costs; CMTC ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Through a unique tool, termed Value Energy Stream Mapping (VeSM), CMTC consultants have applied Lean Manufacturing principles to manufacturers' operations ...

... Every manufacturer has had to absorb the increased energy costs associated with reduced electricity supply and increased demand. Yet, a growing number of companies are beginning to insulate themselves from energy costs and reduce their own demand for electricity with some help from California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC). Through a unique tool, termed Value Energy Stream Mapping (VeSM), CMTC consultants have applied Lean Manufacturing principles to manufacturers' operations, reducing energy usage and in some cases saving these businesses tens of thousands of dollars on their electricity bills. As most manufacturing businesses tend to be high energy consumers, the VeSM tool not only makes companies more productive, it also makes them more energy efficient. ...

California Manufacturing Technology Consulting: A private, nonprofit corporation, CMTC was established in 1992 to provide high value consulting services to California's high tech and traditional small- and medium-size manufacturers to increase their competitive advantage through improved methods of management and manufacturing. Today, through its seven regional teams, CMTC provides consulting services in the practice areas of Strategic Business, Lean Enterprise, Information Technology, Energy Services, Quality and Supply Chain Management. CMTC's regional teams cover Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Orange County, Ventura/Santa Barbara County, the San Fernando/San Gabriel Valley, the San Joaquin Valley and San Diego/Imperial County.

Lean Manufacturing Training: MIT Sloan Offers Courses to Train Chinese Managers on Global ...

Lean Manufacturing Training: MIT Sloan Offers Courses to Train Chinese Managers on Global ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... Stallkamp, former president of DaimlerChrysler, are "Strategic Value Chain Design" (January 15-18) and "Operations Strategy and Lean Manufacturing" (January 18 ...

... The MIT Sloan School of Management is running two courses in Shanghai in January to train China-based managers in cutting edge management techniques for the global marketplace. These two courses, led by Dean Emeritus Lester Thurow and Tom Stallkamp, former president of DaimlerChrysler, are "Strategic Value Chain Design" (January 15-18) and "Operations Strategy and Lean Manufacturing" (January 18-22). They are MIT Sloan's first executive education programs offered in China. The courses are targeted to train the Chinese managers and executives of international firms, as well as the employees of Chinese companies who are competing in the international marketplace. They are part of a feasibility study to look at whether MIT Sloan will establish a broad initiative to help foreign businesses succeed in China and Chinese businesses succeed in the global economy. ...

For over fifty years the MIT Sloan School of Management, based in Cambridge, Mass., has been one of the world's leading academic sources of innovation in management. The School's mission is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world and to generate ideas that advance management practice.

Supply Chain Management Software: LogicTools' Inventory Analyst is Certified for SAP Net Weaver

Supply Chain Management Software: LogicTools' Inventory Analyst is Certified for SAP Net Weaver

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... integration of LogicNet Plus(R), the leading network design solution, which is offered as an extension to the mySAP(TM) Supply Chain Management (mySAP SCM ...

... LogicTools inventory Analyst 4.0(TM) has been certified for the SAP NetWeaver(TM) integration and application platform and is now "Certified for SAP NetWeaver." This will enable access to Inventory Analyst(TM) through SAP Enterprise Portal. LogicTools is already an SAP software partner through its certified integration of LogicNet Plus(R), the leading network design solution, which is offered as an extension to the mySAP(TM) Supply Chain Management (mySAP SCM) solution. Inventory Analyst enables companies to make strategic inventory decisions based on the entire supply chain. This technology has produced large savings for companies by optimally locating and sizing inventory as well as determining effective push/pull supply chain strategies. For this purpose, LogicTools' Inventory Analyst uses state of the art optimization algorithms that take into account uncertainties in supply and demand as well variability in processing and distribution times. ...

LogicTools (www.logic-tools.com) a leading provider of supply chain planning solutions was founded in 1995 by David Simchi-Levi, Professor of engineering systems at MIT. LogicTools provides the expertise, software, services and support that enable comprehensive supply chain planning processes in a variety of industries. LogicTools' suite of supply chain planning solutions includes network design, inventory planning, and multi-site production sourcing. LogicTools has been instrumental in helping companies gain competitive advantage in the market by replacing extremely complex, expensive and customized software implementations on the one hand and limited spreadsheet analysis on the other. Optimizing the supply chain results not only in significant savings (typically 5%-15%) but also provides clarity of vision and better understanding of the trade-offs. LogicTools has customers across many industries including, CPG, Food, Retail, 3PL, High-Tech, Process & Discrete Manufacturing, Automotive and Public Sector. Some of LogicTools' customers include Del Monte, General Motors, IBM, Kraft Foods, Mercer, Ryder Systems, True Value Hardware, UPS, United States Postal Service, Welch's, Yankee Candle and many others.

Lean Manufacturing Software Solutions: Eyelit Wins Significant Deal with Large European MEMS Manufacturer

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... and coordination of the supply chain, Eyelit is the best choice for manufacturers with multiple sites looking to adopt lean manufacturing, improve supply chain ...

Lean manufacturing is supported through the implementation of collaborative production management systems, which provide production control and coordination. Eyelit is a supplier of software solutions, focused on lean software, in the electronic manufacturing and life sciences space ...

... Eyelit, Inc., the leader in Collaborative Production Management (CPM) solutions for visibility, control and coordination of manufacturing operations for the electronics, life sciences, and semiconductor industries, announced today it had won a order for their VISUAL*eyes(TM) enterprise manufacturing suite, at a large automotive MEMS component supplier in Europe. This marks the fifth MEMS manufacturer to select Eyelit's products to improve process control and operational efficiency. ...

Eyelit is the leader in Collaborative Production Management (CPM) solutions for visibility, control and coordination of manufacturing operations for the electronics, life sciences, and semiconductor industries. Eyelit uniquely delivers a broad set of manufacturing solutions including product costing, asset management, manufacturing execution, quality management and business process management that enable our customers to cost-effectively optimize production and company processes. With exceptional customer service, Eyelit has time and again proven superior innovative technology can deliver quicker time to value. More than 30 leading companies, including Motorola, Analog Devices, Corning, Kodak, Sony, Vishay, and Tower Semiconductor, rely on Eyelit as a trusted software partner.

Six Sigma BPO: General Electric Partners With Leading Investors To Transform ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... transaction. Gecis has already begun delivering its commitment to quality, built on Six Sigma methodologies, to other major companies. ...

... General Electric today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement with two leading private-investment firms, General Atlantic Partners and Oak Hill Capital Partners, under which the firms will acquire a majority interest in GE Capital International Services (Gecis), GE's global business-processing operation. Gecis already is one of the largest shared-service providers in the world, employing more than 17,000 professional staff. As a recapitalized, independent company, Gecis will be well positioned to offer its high-quality business-processing services to companies in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, where it already has operations. Gecis will continue to serve GE under a multiyear contract, and Pramod Bhasin will remain as president and chief executive officer, supported by the current Gecis global management team. Approximately 1,000 Gecis employees will remain with GE. ...

GE (NYSE: GE), based in Fairfield, CT, is a diversified technology, media and financial services company dedicated to creating products that make life better. From aircraft engines and power generation to financial services, medical imaging, television programming and plastics, GE operates in more than 100 countries and employs more than 310,000 people worldwide. Gecis is a global leader in high-quality business-process services, built with Six Sigma rigor. Gecis was established to serve GE's business units and supports nearly 1,000 processes at GE. As an independent company, Gecis continues to offer world-class expertise in areas including finance and accounting, supply-chain management, customer-service support and data modeling and analytics to clients globally. Gecis is headquartered near Delhi in Gurgaon, India, and has operations centers in China, Hungary, India and Mexico and employees across North America and Western Europe.

General Atlantic Partners, LLC, is one of the world's leading direct investment firms focused on investing globally in companies providing or using IT in ways that significantly transform the value proposition. GA's investment focus in IT includes providers of IT, IT-related services and users of IT in traditional industries such as healthcare, finance and government. The firm was founded in 1980 and has over $5 billion in capital under management. General Atlantic has invested in over 130 IT companies and has current holdings in over 50 companies, of which almost one-third are based outside the United States. The firm is distinguished within the investment community by its deep experience and expertise in information technology, its global perspective and worldwide presence, its long-term approach to investments, and its commitment to provide sustained strategic assistance for its portfolio companies. General Atlantic has nearly 70 investment professionals among its 130 employees worldwide with offices in Greenwich, New York, Palo Alto, Washington, D.C., London, Dusseldorf, Singapore, Tokyo, Mumbai, Hong Kong, and Sao Paulo.

Oak Hill Capital Partners, L.P. is a private equity firm in which Robert M. Bass is the lead investor. The investment team at Oak Hill has invested in over 50 private equity transactions including American Savings Bank (Washington Mutual), Bell & Howell (Proquest), Wometco Cable Corporation, Williams Scotsman, Stage Stores and Oreck Corporation. Recent investments from their current $1.6 billion buyout fund include Align Technology, TravelCenters of America, WideOpenWest, Blackboard, and Caribbean Restaurants. Oak Hill Capital Partners, L.P. is one of the Oak Hill partnerships, each of which has a dedicated management team. In total, the Oak Hill partnerships manage over $10 billion of assets across multiple asset classes, representing capital from leading entrepreneurs, endowments, foundations, corporations, pension funds, and global financial institutions.

Lean Manufacturing Process Company: MOD-PAC CORP. to Present at the Second Annual Western New York ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... The Company applies lean manufacturing processes coupled with state-of-the-art printing technologies to challenge its competition and expand its market share. ...

... MOD-PAC CORP. (NASDAQ: MPAC) a specialized commercial printer and manufacturer of custom paper board packaging, today announced that C. Anthony Rider, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, will present at the Second Annual Western New York Investors Conference on Wednesday, November 17, 2004, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Rochester, New York. ...

MOD-PAC CORP is a differentiated, high value-added print services firm operating a unique low-cost business model. MOD-PAC is an innovative company that aggressively integrates technology into its marketing and operations to provide on-demand print products and services for its customers. Consistently outpacing the printing industry over each of the last five years, MOD-PAC's key differentiator is its success at being a just-in-time producer of short-run, quality print products. The Company applies lean manufacturing processes coupled with state-of-the-art printing technologies to challenge its competition and expand its market share. MOD-PAC's strategy is to leverage its capabilities to meet the growing needs of on-demand print and to expand its service offering to address more of the print value chain.

Lean Manufacturing: Plexus Achieves 29% Revenue Growth for Fiscal 2004

From PR Newswire (press release) ... with improvements in capacity utilization and operating efficiencies through a combination of moderate revenue expansion and lean manufacturing and inventory ...

... Plexus Corp. (Nasdaq: PLXS) today announced that revenue for its fourth fiscal quarter increased 26% to $273.3 million, compared to $216.1 million in the prior-year period. ...

Plexus ( http://www.plexus.com ) is a contract manufacturer of electronics products providing product design, test, manufacturing, fulfillment and aftermarket solutions to branded product companies in the networking, datacommunications, medical, industrial, commercial, defense and computer industries. The Company's unique Focus Factory manufacturing model and global supply chain solutions, strategically enhanced by value-added product design and engineering services, are developed to optimize lowest total cost, scalability and responsiveness for programs requiring flexibility, technology and quality. Plexus provides award-winning customer service to more than 150 branded product companies in North America, Europe and Asia.

Supply Chain Management SCM: i2 Web Seminar to Discuss Supplier Collaboration with Closed Loop ...

From Business Wire (press release), CA ... I2 Technologies, Inc. (OTC:ITWO), a leading provider of closed loop supply chain management solutions, today announced ...

Supply chain management focuses on increasing sales, reducing costs, and making full use of assets by streamlining the collaboration and communication of all partners in the supply chain ...

... i2 Technologies, Inc. (OTC:ITWO), a leading provider of closed loop supply chain management solutions, today announced that i2 customer ADTRAN, the U.S. market leader in carrier and business class network access solutions, will discuss its use of i2 solutions for supplier collaboration and closed loop planning and execution in a free web seminar Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2004 at 11:30 a.m. EDT. This seminar will discuss how i2's next generation supply collaboration solutions are designed to help provide more efficient communication and can enable businesses to focus on cost-saving goals, maintain service levels, and build long-term relationships with suppliers. Thomas Dadmun, ADTRAN vice president of supply chain operations, will discuss how the company uses i2 solutions to reduce total responsiveness cycle time and streamline its business operations. Mike Riemer, i2 solution architect, will discuss how i2's collaboration solutions can help businesses drive new levels of productivity between supply chain partners by closing the loop between planning and execution. ...

A leading provider of closed-loop supply chain management solutions, i2 designs and delivers software that helps customers optimize and synchronize activities involved in successfully managing supply and demand. i2's global customer base consists of some of the world's market leaders -- including seven of the Fortune global top 10. Founded in 1988 with a commitment to customer success, i2 remains focused on delivering value by implementing solutions designed to provide a rapid return on investment.

Six Sigma Success: Hayes Lemmerz on List of Top 100 in Quality

From Yahoo News (press release) ... We've worked diligently to implement Operational Excellence -- lean manufacturing and six sigma strategies to lower costs and improve customer satisfaction ...

... Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: HAYZ - News) has been ranked in Quality magazine's "Top 100 in Quality." The survey recognizes Hayes Lemmerz as a top company that improves processes, empowers workers and satisfies customers through quality and process improvement initiatives. Quality's Top 100 list features companies that lead their respective industries, balancing quality issues and meeting customer demands, and make substantial investments in quality technology and people. ...

Hayes Lemmerz International, Inc. is a leading global supplier of automotive and commercial highway wheels, brakes, powertrain, suspension, structural and other lightweight components. The Company has 43 facilities and one joint venture in 14 countries and approximately 11,000 employees worldwide. Today, Hayes Lemmerz has developed a worldwide presence and customer base with 44 facilities worldwide and a presence in 17 countries serving all major Original Equipment Manufacturers (``OEM"s).

World Headquarters
Northville, Michigan, USA

Chief Executive
Curtis Clawson, President and CEO; Chairman of the Board

Number of Employees
11,000

2003 Revenues
$2.1 billion