tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:40:30 +0000Achieve Breakthrough Performance through Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Other Leading Management Practices that Enable Continuous Improvement.http://www.sixthsigma.com/noreply@blogger.com (Frank M)Blogger3875125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-2111276034193816163Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:27:00 +00002009-07-09T09:40:30.972-05:00servicesmilitarymethodologymedcomconceptsmedical-industryeducationlean-six-sigmaarmyinformation-technologyinstructiongeneral-dynamicsconsultingGeneral Dynamics Information Technology receives multi-million dollar, multi-year contract to support the Lean Six Sigma efforts of the U.S. Army Medical Command and the Office of the Surgeon General. ...... "General Dynamics will support the Army MEDCOM Lean Six Sigma Concepts and Methodologies program by providing instruction and consulting services to internal organizations for MEDCOM’s http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/general-dynamics-lean-six-sigma.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-9081591774094651422Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:08:00 +00002009-07-08T14:37:57.925-05:00business-systemcontinuous-improvementvaluesopportunity-managementdanaher-business-systemlean-manufacturingbusiness-strategyDanaher is reviewed as a potential investment and is lauded for its diversified business portfolio and operational excellence based on the foundation of lean and continual improvement. ...... "Although not totally immune to the current economic crises, Danaher is poised to exploit the unfolding long-term opportunities. The Danaher Business System (DBS) initiative is based on proven principles http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/danaher-lean-principles-and-core-value.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-1101886344236414380Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:40:00 +00002009-07-08T14:06:25.830-05:00quality-controlerror-proofingprocessesinspectionreduce-handlindlean-cellautomationsolutionwork-cellsarmyautomated-lean-cellparts-managementSetpoint Systems will automate and streamline the back-end manufacturing process for Lake City Army Ammunition Plant operated by Alliant Techsystems. The site will leverage lean automated solutions to drive productivity and quality. This is a plant that has manufactured ammunition since World War Two and is ready to be upgraded to new processes and work-cell layouts. ...... "Setpoint’s http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/lean-manufacturing-independent-work.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-7565266785171458183Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:08:00 +00002009-07-08T09:12:10.390-05:00open-sourcecollaborationchromegooglemicrosoftdesign-processvoice-of-customervocGoogle plans to launch an operating system in direct competition with Microsoft. The company is targeting netbook computers, as soon as 2010 and will collaborate with the open source community to meet the aggressive launch window. The voice of the customer is clear in Google's design criteria. ...... "We hear a lot from our users and their message is clear — computers need to get better. http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/google-voice-of-customer-voc-design.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-4789296183003697200Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:19:00 +00002009-07-07T16:25:50.885-05:00methodstime-to-marketleanwastecost-controlcycle-timeOver-focusing on cost controls can reverse the improvements achieved by lean methodology, increasing response time to market event and trends and adding management effort to simple processes. A balanced hand is needed. ...... "New layers of managerial waste and delays may eat up the apparent savings in cost reduction in time to market. " ...Via tompeters!: Turning the Cornerhttp://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/layers-add-time-and-waste.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-1548355999568636450Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:14:00 +00002009-07-07T12:19:03.035-05:00streamlining-programmaintenance-repair-overhaulsupplier-excellencemaintenanceasset-utilizationbusiness-processefficiencymaterialsMaintenance business processes are an opportunity to apply lean techniques to drive efficiency gains. Material receipt and handling from MRO suppliers can be made more efficient. In addition, proactive and reactive maintenance work flows can be streamlined to increase asset utilization rates. ...... "To help streamline your maintenance department, group related actions into steps to help http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/lean-maintenance-process.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-658297547397158816Mon, 06 Jul 2009 17:10:00 +00002009-07-06T12:10:00.992-05:00growthattritionlean-manufacturingefficiencyrevenueDaktronics experiences organic growth while integrating lean manufacturing in order to navigate the business cycle. The company prides itself on well-designed work cells and an organized factory layout. ...... "The company, which has been in a continual growth mode since its infancy, has reduced staffing at its manufacturing plants in Brookings, Sioux Falls and Redwood Falls, MN, through http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/growing-with-lean.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-3635580312085586519Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:10:00 +00002009-07-06T11:10:01.382-05:00conferencereduce-costsacademia-teesside-univcountry-ukTeesside U hosts lean event (FAIM) this week where global leaders will converge. ...... "The event, at Teesside University from July 5-8, will focus on lean manufacturing and services, with a number of lectures planned on how the industry can reduce costs without resorting to sweeping job cuts. " ...Via nebusiness UK: World of good ideashttp://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/lean-at-teesside-u.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-8221349594395555861Mon, 06 Jul 2009 15:05:00 +00002009-07-06T10:09:02.034-05:00agilityservice-oriented-architecturesimplificationinformation-technologylean-business-technologyLean application in the information technology function is enabled by the simplification associated with service oriented architectures. Reusable components coupled with efficient service delivery processes create a more agile IT organization. ...... "The overall objective of LBT is to make a business more agile and responsive at a lower cost to serve. These benefits are underpinned by IT http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/lean-applied-in-information-technology.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-6167546589154752736Sun, 05 Jul 2009 15:09:00 +00002009-07-05T10:12:27.390-05:00mistake-proofingpokayokeSimple tools are illustrated to prevent mistakes, using poka-yoke techniques.http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/deal-with-mistakes-using-poka-yoke.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-7029158201155768459Wed, 01 Jul 2009 18:03:00 +00002009-07-01T13:16:30.116-05:00value-stream-mapcardsimprovementmappingkaizen-cardsvisual-controlskaizencountry-germanyvisual-workplacecity-paderbornflextronicsFlextronics Paderborn Germany site has mapped its value streams and continually implements improvements using Kaizen techniques. These improvements accelerate the efficiency of the operations over time, as individual changes may be hard to notice, but cumulative effects are signficant. ...... "We are using the Kaizen cards to record and implement improvements to our workspace. Even changes http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/flextronics-kaizen-practices-drive.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-680028422035143112Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:11:00 +00002009-07-01T11:17:08.454-05:00process-improvementservicescustomer-analysisinnovationdesign-processvoice-of-customerdfssdesign-for-six-sigmaVarious types of innovation are discussed. Innovative ideas must be generated and shaped into achievable concepts. Understanding the voice of the customer and hidden customer needs can be improved by leveraging the DFSS process. ...... "The process begins by first understanding that there are hidden customers who must be discovered, and then working together to find the best way to satisfy http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/07/dfss-discovers-hidden-customer-needs.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-7859445537254068612Wed, 01 Jul 2009 01:01:00 +00002009-06-30T20:13:22.974-05:00nummiToyota-Leangeneral-motorscountry-usaplant-operationslean-systemjapanese-management-techniquestoyota-production-systemtoyotastate-californiaToyota leadership will wrestle with decision on the future of the Nummi site which was used to refine American lean techniques with General Motors. GM has reorganized its way out of the joint venture with Toyota. ...... "For Toyota, Nummi served as a beachhead for it to push deeper into the U.S. market and also a learning lab to figure out how to effectively use American labor within the http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/nummi-american-lean-system.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-1478064665578254179Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:03:00 +00002009-06-29T10:03:00.330-05:00strategygeoperational-capabilitygeneral-electriccountry-brazilcity-erietechniquescountry-mexicolean-manufacturingstate-pennsylvaniaimmeltceoGE CEO Jeffrey Immelt discusses the company's Michigan investment and its core capabilities, such as lean and Six Sigma, which positions the company to compete effectively in many markets. ...... "Through the use of lean manufacturing techniques, our 100-year-old Erie factory can export to Mexico and Brazil. Operational capability is a core part of GE's strategy. " ...Via Wall Street Jouranlhttp://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/immelt-on-ge-lean-operational.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-8556579572355925507Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:55:00 +00002009-06-29T06:55:01.911-05:00automotive-lean-manufacturingcountry-italyfiat-autochryslertoyota-production-systemproduction-systemautomotiveChrysler will implement Fiat's version of lean manufacturing, the Fiat Production System. ...... "Fiat, based in Turin, uses a system that emphasizes measuring every aspect of work and stopping inefficiencies, Hill said. It is similar to Toyota Motor Corp.’s highly regarded lean-manufacturing system ... " ...Via Bloomberg: Chryslerhttp://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/fiat-lean-production-system.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-237748689304208798Sun, 28 Jun 2009 13:45:00 +00002009-06-28T08:47:10.084-05:00mobilemotorolamobilityhttp://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/mobile-applications-in-manufacturing.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-930275233807969062Sat, 27 Jun 2009 18:02:00 +00002009-06-27T13:24:06.269-05:00efi-electronicsautolivshingo-prizemanufacturing-excellencemanufacturing-efficiencyelectronics-manufacturingstate-utahautomotiveEFI Electronics and Autoliv are recognized for their lean manufacturing performance with Shingo Prizes. Both companies were committed to lean operations, which required changes such as equipment modifications and layout changes. ...... "Autoliv, the maker of automobile airbag systems and one of the state's largest manufacturers, was awarded the top Shingo Prize for two of its five Utah http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/utah-manufacturers-get-shingod.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-7947526194945154032Fri, 26 Jun 2009 19:22:00 +00002009-06-26T14:27:30.381-05:00academia-suny-buffalogreen-belt-in-six-sigmaeducationtrainingmaster-black-belt-in-six-sigmacertificationbusiness-processSUNY at Buffalo is offering a blended course of online and on-location education for Green Belt in Six Sigma, slated for the Fall - Sept. 3 through Nov. 12. ...... "Green Belt Blended Learning course, offered by UB's Center for Industrial Effectiveness (TCIE) in Fall 2009. Led by Master Black Belt Tom Miller, TCIE's senior business process performance manager, the 10-week program immerses http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/green-belt-blended-learning.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-10678623382449951Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:03:00 +00002009-06-25T08:09:13.787-05:00wegmanshealthcare-six-sigmaprogramsinitiativecity-rochester-nyprinciplesWegman's leader discusses efficient healthcare through Six Sigma principles. ...... "Speranza discussed the programs that the Rochester Business Alliance’s Healthcare Initiative has developed, including the implementation of six sigma principles in local hospitals and Wegmans’ communitywide eat well, live well challenge. " ...Via RocNow: Businesshttp://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/apple-day-and-six-sigma-healthcare.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-5909373018622674207Wed, 24 Jun 2009 12:42:00 +00002009-06-24T07:42:00.797-05:00recognitionawardprocess-excellenceiqpchttp://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/process-excellence.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-2867512184348024596Wed, 24 Jun 2009 02:35:00 +00002009-06-23T21:40:44.587-05:00sustainabilitypracticesanalysislean-six-sigmagreen-sigmaprinciplessolutionmonitoringibmreal-timeenergy-efficiencyIBM builds partnerships to solve sustainability problems with an integrated set of cross-industry solutions, that leverage Lean Six Sigma principles for improvement. ...... "Green Sigma is an IBM solution that applies Lean Six Sigma principles and practices to energy, water, waste and GHG emissions throughout a company's operations -- transportation systems, data centers and IT systems, http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/lean-six-sigma-integrates-solutions-for.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-7925447285714598422Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:25:00 +00002009-06-23T19:31:01.738-05:00competitioninvestmentinitiativemargin-improvementautomotive-lean-manufacturingautomationpositionautomotiveInternal investment is an attribute of companies poised to weather the current business cycle and emerge in a stronger competitive position. ...... "Toyota's margins were higher because it invested heavily in automated production systems and lean manufacturing initiatives over many years and, as a result, was much better positioned to weather the current crisis than its American competitors. "http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/lean-investment-leads-to-payoff.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-2066551173837716325Tue, 23 Jun 2009 01:02:00 +00002009-06-22T20:08:02.970-05:00durabilityreliabilityculturecharactergeneral-motorskaizenautomotiveGM's Tom Stephens brings his personal kaizen to the product development job. ...... "I'm here to defend Tom, for one simple character trait: He's a tinkerer. He has devoted his entire life to making things a little bit faster, a little bit more durable, a little bit more reliable. " ...Via Automotive News: Tinkering GMhttp://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/gm-kaizen.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-225511751935300176Sun, 21 Jun 2009 17:37:00 +00002009-06-21T12:52:56.895-05:00littelfuserecognitionachieveprocess-excellencefinancial-benefitsquality-executionLittelfuse team is recognized by ASQ for its achievements in product performance, quality, handling, process efficiency, and financial results. The team focused resources and floorspace to improving its fuses. ...... "The American Society for Quality (ASQ), sponsor of the competition, recognized the team for its application of Lean/Six Sigma methodology to eliminate the chance of loose caps http://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/factory-within-factory-model-at.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6706504.post-918101230417120984Sat, 20 Jun 2009 15:46:00 +00002009-06-20T10:48:31.634-05:00videovalue-added-workwastetrainingseven-wasteswaste-reductionbusiness-processwork-processhttp://www.sixthsigma.com/2009/06/lean-eliminates-seven-wastes.htmnoreply@blogger.com (Frank M)0