Lean-Six Sigma Approach put into Practice in an Empirical Study

Abstract

Manufacturing process improvement using Lean principles, tools and techniques has been highlighted as one of the most effective approaches since its main goal is to eliminate waste and inefficiencies by creating more value with fewer resources. This approach has been extended worldwide, especially in the manufacturing sector. Nevertheless, to deepen the development of advanced stages of Lean, such as pull and demand-oriented production, it is necessary to reduce variability in processes. For this purpose, the integration of Six Sigma- DMAIC could be a useful approach in order to develop advanced lean stages. This paper presents the Six Sigma and Lean effectiveness integration via an action research case study carried out in a domestic appliance manufacturing facility.