The data that goes into Lean Six Sigma improvement projects should be highly authentic.
Efforts have to be made to collect genuine data and bring about effective improvements in processes and products.
Production Systems
Lean emphasizes the sequential production system, rather than using the shop scheduling technique. The sequential technique is very effective in manufacturing only those amounts that are required by the next process - and only when they are required.
Additionally, it effectively helps reduce waste to a large extent, as well as eliminating the sources causing waste. It is about developing a system of understanding the priorities on the shop floor.
This technique is useful not only for big organizations, but shows good results for small and medium-sized businesses as well.
Managing Performance
A Lean project requires a team effort at all stages. A team that works closely without any misunderstandings can combine their efforts to achieve the desired results on schedule.
The project manager has to work towards motivating the team to put in their efforts towards achieving the goals and objectives of the organization.
Effective Logistics
The Lean Six Sigma system helps develop an effective logistics system that aims at reducing inventory carrying costs and waste.
This helps the continuous flow of raw materials to finished goods from one process to another.
Cycle-Time Reduction
Lean Six Sigma training enables reduction in cycle times that are a major cause of excess non-value added costs. The efforts are all about eliminating the causes of the excessive cycle times.
Short-term solutions to such problems will only give rise to the similar problems in future.
Linear Production System
Lean Six Sigma training helps develop a production model such that the production happens as and when the demand exists for the product. Often, in the traditional form of production system, goods are produced in larger amount so that they may be given immediately on demand.
However, this always produces the probability of products being wasted, if the product demand goes down due to various reasons, such as seasonal nature of product demand, non-compliance to quality standards, defective batch production and so on.
With a linear production system, such problems can be overcome with the least amount of waste.
Timely Decisions
Lean Six Sigma makes it possible for manufacturing firms to make timely decisions regarding all factors such as product demand, new recruitment, downsizing and so on.
Timely decisions allow for grasping an opportunity at the right time, which helps increase profitability.
These features of Lean Six Sigma help bring in efficiency and quality to all companies, small and large alike. The project advantage will be sustained over a long period of time.
