The ‘Mantra of Six Sigma’ sets the ‘Gold Standard’ for Minimum Defects in Quality Systems. Still, the ‘Quality’ subject needs to be approached with caution. As mentioned previously, Lean Efficiency can reduce much of the variation in ‘Key Characteristic’ data. Though, once you have improved that ‘Efficiency’, the next focus is a verifiable ‘Six Sigma Quality Standard’. Your first question should be, ‘What Product ‘Key Characteristic’ data needs to be measured? If the ‘Customer’ has not set these parameters, the Continuous Improvement Leader should consider ‘Quantitative’ variable ‘Key Characteristic’ data required in ‘Product Functionality’.

Readily available ‘X Bar (mean) and R (Range) Control Chart’ software will accept normal variable data and show the Mean, Six Sigma UCL (Upper Control Limit) and LCL (Lower Control Limit) plus Cpk (Process Capability). Verifying ‘Control of the Process’ via the ‘Range Chart’ allows a quick determination that the Cpk (Process Capability) will be better than the ‘Required’ Cpk of 1.0 for a Sigma of Six.

As an example, Boeing requires a process Cpk of 1.33. Effectively, this requires the ‘Process Capability’ to have a ‘Tighter Variability’ than the Six Sigma ‘Control Limits’ and allows a ‘Margin of Error’ for the ‘Key Characteristic’ being measured. Thus, the ‘Key Characteristic’ measurement could effectively be ‘Outside’ the current ‘Variability Range’ and still ‘Within Six Sigma Control Limits’ (And within required engineering functionality specifications). This increased ‘Capability’ for the ‘Process’translates into fewer ‘Field Component Failures’. Thus, improving ‘Brand Loyalty’and ‘Product Confidence’. Remember, Price is always a Factor in a ‘Purchase’, but the ‘Value’ built into that ‘Price’ via ‘Confidence in Systems’ definitely translates into BUSINESS GROWTH!

Todd Adams

OBR Optimization Engineering: Lean Six Sigma CI, ERP Software Development, Quality Systems Enhancement, Business Process Improvement, CI Project Work. www.OBREngineering.com; POC: Todd Adams, Todd.Adams@OBREngineering.com; (424) 241-0290.

As the Famous Sales Guru Grant Cardone says, 10X your OBSESSION!

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What is an A3 Report? The A3 Report is a problem-solving template based on the Lean ‘Thought Process’ of ‘Plan Do Check Act’ (PDCA) which mimics the natural thought process to ‘Solve a Problem’. (A process you don’t need to go to school to learn). Really, if you have a ‘Problem’ you will naturally try the ‘Best’ logical solution. If that solution ‘Works’ you will ‘Continue On’. If that solution does not work, you will ‘Retry’ with the next logical solution. This ‘Natural’ problem-solving thought process is followed in the A3 Report.

Why use the A3 Report? Here are 4 Reasons: 1) Document and solidify your Continuous Improvement efforts. 2) Provide a ‘Template’ to train associates on a ‘Natural’ solution discovery process. 3) Provide a ‘Reference History’ to solve recurring issues. And 4) Allow a constructive path for associates to participate in CI efforts.

Still, the ‘Real’ question is how do you get associates to participate in the use of the A3 Report? Like it or not, the A3 Report, like the ‘Suggestion Box’, can get regularly ignored. One suggestion on circumventing this issue is to have a ‘Motivating CI Leader’ who can instill a ‘Need’ to participate. The ‘Carrot or the Stick’ philosophy is useful in understanding associate participation. Good cycle time data can drive Continuous Improvement suggestions from the ‘Belief’ that associate solutions are better than leader solutions. This approach is beneficial as it allows the associate to ‘Speak’ and leadership to ‘Listen’ which can develop positive ‘Team Behaviors’. An A3 Report ‘Carrot’ could be incentives in the form of ‘Cash Cards’ or ‘Team Meals’ given for ‘Goals and Improvements attained’. Also, Rewards promote ‘Positive Behaviors and Attitudes’.

Efficient Operations from the use of the A3 Report delivers Quality Products to customer ‘Key Characteristic’ expectations which can promote ‘Brand’ awareness and a revenue ‘Price’ premium. Customers will ‘Pay’ for the convenience of ‘Operation Speed and Product Quality’. The A3 Report develops ‘BUSINESS GROWTH’ by allowing a ‘Path’ for a company to be ‘BEST IN CATEGORY’!

Todd Adams

OBR Optimization Engineering: Lean Six Sigma CI, ERP Software Development, Quality Systems Enhancement, Business Process Improvement, CI Project Work. www.OBREngineering.com; POC: Todd Adams, Todd.Adams@OBREngineering.com; (424) 241-0290.

As the Famous Sales Guru Grant Cardone says, 10X your OBSESSION!

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You can’t get to Quality until you ‘wade through’ Efficiency. Where do you start? ‘Variation’ forces the Continuous Improvement ‘leader’ to focus on efficiency ‘First’ because the CI leader knows you’ll ‘spin your wheels’ if you jump into the quality issue first. Why is that? (You don’t know if the Quality problem is truly the issue or the variation will go away once the efficiency issue is improved.)

With every word, another explanation is required. i.e. Improved vs Resolved. Efficiency is a ‘moving target’ it is never ‘Resolved’. Today efficiency is good and tomorrow the situation has ‘slid back’ into the quagmire of the human interface. Fact: Efficiency must be continually monitored. (What gets measured gets improved!). So, how do you improve efficiency? That is where ‘Training’ comes into play. Believe it or not, the CI leader will not be able to improve efficiency by themselves. It is the Team (Department, Division, Company….) that will Succeed or Fail together.

The ‘Big Seven’ areas for Efficiency FocusOver Production, Un-necessary Inventory, Waiting, Motion (Un-necessary/Excess Motion), Over-Processing, Transportation, and Rework (Defects)! Lean Six Sigma training equals more ‘eyes’ on the system. (Team Effort). A VSM (Value Stream Map) focus allows for an ‘orderly’ approach to breaking the revenue stream into process steps…. Kaizen Sprints allow a ‘Timed Focus’ and a ‘Team Effort’ to improve the situation. Securing increased efficiency minimizes the variation equation. At this time, Key Characteristic statistical data can be ‘mined’ to give a better view of where solutions to Quality issues might exist. And, of course, improved Efficiency and Quality lead to Innovation (more time to ‘Think about Product Development’ rather than ‘Putting out the Fire’ on recurring issues.) which leads to BUSINESS GROWTH!

Todd Adams

OBR Optimization Engineering: Lean Six Sigma CI, ERP Software Development, Quality Systems Enhancement, Business Process Improvement, CI Project Work. www.OBREngineering.com; POC: Todd Adams, Todd.Adams@OBREngineering.com; (424) 241-0290.

As the Famous Sales Guru Grant Cardone says, 10X your OBSESSION!

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Strong words but the rewards developed from a great company culture of Lean drives efficiency, quality and innovation and that Culture becomes the basis for the most important factor of Company Growth! Your business’s competitive advantage is in your company culture. The next question is ‘How do you develop your company culture?’ Here are three factors to deliver a Lean Culture that will drive company growth.

First, Lean Training is the start of that foundation. The subject matter of Lean Six Sigma sets the groundwork for a common ‘Lean Language’. This avenue of approach provides the tools, but ‘buy-in’ is provided via personal growth and ‘Value Add’ for the associate. This is derived from a ‘true’ feeling that the associate is ‘Better’ because of the business. Lean training is transferable to any organization as a knowledge base. This makes the ‘Associate’ more valuable. And the associate should know this.

second factor is a personal ‘Earnings Motive’. This could be delivered via a range of possibilities from team goals and rewards to company-wide profit sharing. A strong motivating leadership is the third factor. It is important to have that ‘Ring Leader’ who can vocalize the company values, direction, and goals. Like a table needs at least three legs, the ‘Cult in Culture’ starts with all three of these foundational supports!

Todd Adams

OBR Optimization Engineering: Lean Six Sigma CI, ERP Software Development, Quality Systems Enhancement, Business Process Improvement, CI Project Work. www.OBREngineering.com; POC: Todd Adams, Todd.Adams@OBREngineering.com; (424) 241-0290.

As the Famous Sales Guru Grant Cardone says, 10X your OBSESSION!

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This is where the ‘Rubber Meets the Road’. From training, then the Value Stream Map provides a Continuous Improvement path and leadership agreement on ‘Prioritization’ of CI tasks. Then the ‘Real Work of Improvement’ begins with ‘Just do it’, ‘Kaizen Sprints’ and ‘Projects’. Business growth is derived from the development of a culture of efficiency, quality, and innovation. For a conversation on your ‘Area of Optimization’ call at (424) 241-0290. Further LSS and ERP Systems Development and Business Process Improvement optimization updates will follow. (Manufacturing, Service, Information Systems, Retail and Government Operations!).

Todd Adams

OBR Optimization Engineering: Lean CI, ERP Software Development, Quality Systems Development, Business Process Improvement, CI Project Work. www.OBREngineering.com; POC: Todd Adams, Todd.Adams@OBREngineering.com; (424) 241-0290.

As the Famous Sales Guru Grant Cardone says, The use of social media can deliver your message. 10X your OBSESSION!

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