More than a decade after their development and first wave of deployment, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing have recently returned on the corporate agendas of a larger number of…
Abstract
More than a decade after their development and first wave of deployment, Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing have recently returned on the corporate agendas of a larger number of corporations across industries and supply chains. In the wake of their re‐surge, this commentary addresses the evolution, context, content and deployment patterns of the two distinct management concepts. It also analyses claims in the business press that a merger is taking place between Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing. Here, it is found that there is not enough evidence to broadly support such claims, and it is only concluded that there is some evidence of an early tend towards a merger and that a possible merger would have m any synergies and advantages. Finally, an example from a Scandinavian manufacturing company is provided that explains how Six Sigma and Lean Manufacturing can be used in a beneficial way for companies to reach world‐class performance.
Details
Keywords
Many practitioners strive to increase the efficiency of their product development. In addition, smaller companies must satisfy customers’ expectations of their product…
Abstract
Many practitioners strive to increase the efficiency of their product development. In addition, smaller companies must satisfy customers’ expectations of their product development. These expectations can be e.g. use of specific methodologies such as Lean Product Development (LPD) and/or Design for Six Sigma (DFSS). This study attempts to identify differences and similarities between these methodologies and the connection between them. This comparison is of interest to practitioners that must choose a strategy for their product development as well as to researchers. The aim of both methodologies is to reduce waste and time of development and to raise the quality of a product at the very roots of the product: its development. LPD and DFSS help development managers to structure projects and focus as much as possible on customer expectations and satisfaction.