Using Lean Six Sigma for Sustainability in Inbound Logistics: An Application in The Automotive Industry

Abstract

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a method that aims to reduce waste and costs by decreasing defects in business processes, to increase efficiency and quality, to produce value-added goods/services, and to maintain this process. In this study, the LSS application is discussed as an implementation conducted by a company that is a supplier in the automotive industry, together with its customer in the main industry in order to improve the sustainable production process and quality. The results are evaluated in terms of effects on the customer regarding inbound logistics. Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control (DMAIC) technique was used with 500-piece sample. Before the improvement, 41.7 defects occurred; whereas 8.7 after the improvement. As a result, shipping times of the customers operating in the main industry have been streamlined, stock costs have decreased, and sustainability has been achieved by reducing the waste of resources and energy for the environment.