Title: Lean Six Sigma implementation case studies

Authors: Gary Pickrell, Harry J. Lyons, Judy Shaver

Addresses: Center for Photonics Technology, Nano-Bio Materials Laboratory, Materials Science and Engineering Department, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 304 Holden Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA. ' Moog Components Group, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA. ' Moog Components Group, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA

Abstract: In this paper, we review the rational and potential framework for combining principles of Six Sigma with those of Lean Manufacturing and present two case studies for Lean Six Sigma Projects completed at a worldwide manufacturer of precision slip ring and integrated motion systems for high performance requirements in military and commercial aircraft, satellites and space vehicles, missiles, and automated industrial machinery. Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma business improvement programmes are often implemented separately. A growing number of companies have realised these programmes are a dynamic, synergistic force rather than two separate and competing initiatives. A proprietary military application case study is presented whereby substantial documented improvements in reductions of cost, cycle time, customer returns and inventory, and an increase in production capacity will be presented. In the second study, an automated document control system was implemented, reducing customer rejections and manufacturing delays due to document revision errors during production.

Keywords: lean manufacturing; lean six sigma; statistical thinking; business improvement; case studies; military engineering; cost reduction; cycle time reduction; customer returns; inventory reduction; production capacity; automated document control; manufacturing delays.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSSCA.2005.008503

International Journal of Six Sigma and Competitive Advantage, 2005 Vol.1 No.4, pp.369 - 379

Published online: 24 Dec 2005 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article