fbpx

Articles

Image: Lean and Agile Manufacturing

Lean and Agile Manufacturing: Guide to Modern Production Methodologies

Modern manufacturers face unprecedented challenges, from supply chain disruptions to rapidly changing customer demands. The integration of lean and agile manufacturing principles helps organizations navigate these challenges effectively. This combination enables manufacturers to maintain efficient operations while quickly adapting to market shifts and technological advancements. Key Highlights Lean and Agile Manufacturing The story of lean […]

View More

Image: Plan For Every Part (PFEP) Overview

What is a Plan for Every Part (PFEP)? A Guide to Achieve Efficient Inventory Management and Lean Manufacturing (2025 Guide)

Inventory management is crucial for operational efficiency. Despite ERPs in place, organizations can struggle with inventory management. Plan for Every Part (PFEP) contains detailed information about every single part used in the manufacturing process, right from raw materials to finished goods. Understanding Plan for Every Part (PFEP) The Plan for Every Part (PFEP) concept is […]

View More

Image: Continuous Flow Manufacturing

Continuous Flow Manufacturing: The Guide to Streamlined Production

Between this competition market demands a quick production process with better quality control and reduced waste. To give a boost and streamline this method continues flow manufacturing plays a big role. Key Highlights What is Continuous Flow Manufacturing? Continuous flow manufacturing represents a production approach where materials move seamlessly through each stage of the manufacturing […]

View More

Image: Manufacturing Compliance Framework

The Ultimate Guide to Manufacturing Compliance: Quality, Safety, and Regulatory Adherence

Compliance is the foundation for building a flexible and scalable manufacturing unit. As the complexities of regulatory landscapes grow, meeting higher demands is becoming more tough. Manufacturing compliance plays a key role in ensuring all the above happen, most effectively and efficiently. This article will equip you to: Understanding Manufacturing Compliance Manufacturing compliance consists of […]

View More

Image: What is a Flexible Manufacturing System

Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS): The Ultimate Guide to Revolutionizing Production

Manufacturing has taken a new form post the introduction of Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS). Looking at it objectively, FMS goes beyond automation. It’s a core shift in the approach that represents flexibility and efficiency in manufacturing. This article will equip you to: What is a Flexible Manufacturing System? A flexible manufacturing system or FMS is […]

View More

Image: Design for Excellence (dfx)

Design for Excellence (Dfx): Optimizing Product Development

Excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. Enter Design for Excellence (DfX), the game-changing approach revolutionizing product development. This comprehensive methodology is transforming how businesses approach manufacturing, quality control, and innovation. But what is design for excellence, exactly? Dfx is a holistic strategy that integrates various design principles to optimize products throughout their entire lifecycle. […]

View More

Image: What is Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)

The Ultimate Guide to Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE): Mastering Calculation, Implementation, and Optimization

Efficiency isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity for survival and growth. This is where Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) comes into play, serving as the gold standard for measuring productivity and identifying opportunities for improvement in your operations. Key Highlights We’ll dive deep into the world of Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), covering everything from basics to […]

View More

Image: Genchi Genbutsu

Genchi Genbutsu: A Way to First-Hand Process Observation

Imagine you’re a business leader faced with a persistent operational issue that’s hurting productivity and customer satisfaction. You’ve pored over reports, analyzed data, and held countless meetings, yet the root cause remains elusive. This disconnect between perception and reality is a common challenge that the Japanese philosophy of “genchi genbutsu” can help overcome. Genchi genbutsu, […]

View More

Image: 8 Pillars of TPM

The Key to Unstoppable Operations: Mastering the 8 Pillars of TPM

Every business strives for efficient, streamlined operations. However, inefficient equipment and unplanned downtime can quickly derail productivity and profitability. That’s where the pillars of TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) become invaluable. This lean methodology empowers organizations to achieve the ambitious yet attainable goals of zero breakdowns, zero defects, and zero accidents. TPM revolves around 8 fundamental […]

View More

Image: Cycle Time vs Lead Time

The Definitive Guide to Cycle Time vs Lead Time

Efficiency and optimization are the names of the game. Whether you’re a manufacturer striving to streamline production or a project manager aiming to deliver on time, understanding metrics like cycle time vs lead time can be game-changers. But what exactly are cycle time and lead time? Cycle time measures the duration to complete one cycle […]

View More

Image: Quality Inspection

The Ultimate Guide to Quality Inspection in Manufacturing

Delivering consistent product quality is an absolute necessity – not an option. A single defective item can severely tarnish a brand’s reputation and erode hard-earned customer trust. This is where the vital significance of quality inspection comes into play – a meticulous process that acts as the gatekeeper for product excellence. Key Highlights Mastering the […]

View More

Image: What is a PICK Chart?

What is a PICK Chart? How it Works in Six Sigma & Lean Manufacturing

Figuring out what to focus on can make or break a project. I’ve found a tool that helps with projects, especially figuring out which ones to tackle first. That’s where the PICK chart comes in handy. PICK stands for Possible, Implement, Challenge, and Kill. It’s a way to sort your projects into four groups. It […]

View More

Mastering Process Capability – A Lean Six Sigma Perspective

I’ve seen firsthand how evaluating process capability can transform businesses. By understanding a process’ natural variability through metrics like Cp, Cpk, and Ppk, operations gain valuable insights. They can identify high-risk areas needing attention and see the true performance capability.  Throughout my career, I’ve led projects involving process capability studies. From manufacturing to business operations, […]

View More

A Practitioner’s Guide to Cpk vs Ppk: Choose the Right Metric for Your Manufacturing Process

Over 20 years of applying quality improvement methodologies across numerous industries, I’ve seen firsthand how process capability metrics like Cpk and Ppk empower manufacturers to effectively monitor production quality and drive continuous improvement. However, in working with countless engineers internationally, I’ve also found some confusion exists around determining when each metric is best leveraged depending […]

View More

Image: Change Control Board

The Importance of Change Control Board in Project Management

A Change Control Board is a formal group responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and deciding on proposed changes within a project or organization. Where change is constant, Change Control Boards serve as the gatekeepers of project integrity, maintaining a delicate balance between flexibility and control. Key Highlights Introduction to Change Control Board (CCB) A Change Control […]

View More

Image: Visual Management Tools

Operational Excellence with Visual Management Tools. A Complete Guide

It’s important to understand and share information quickly. That’s why visual management tools are so useful. They’re a key part of efficient lean manufacturing. These tools include many different techniques and systems. They help make the workplace more organized, improve how work is done, and increase productivity. With these tools, everyone on the team can […]

View More

Image: Lean Scheduling

Lean Scheduling: Optimize Projects with Lean Strategies

Lean scheduling is a strategic approach that combines the principles of lean thinking with project scheduling techniques to optimize resource utilization, minimize waste, and enhance overall project efficiency. This methodology, rooted in continuous improvement and waste reduction, has revolutionized how organizations plan and execute projects across various industries. Key Highlights Understanding Lean Scheduling Lean scheduling […]

View More

Image: Reduce Changeover Time

Reduce Changeover Time: Strategies for Manufacturing Efficiency

To reduce changeover time is not just a goal — it’s a necessity for staying ahead. Changeover time, defined as the period between the last good piece of one production run and the first good piece of the next, is a key factor in overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Changeover time can transform production processes, leading […]

View More

Image: Takt Time vs Cycle Time

Takt Time vs Cycle Time in Lean Manufacturing. A Complete Guide.

To effectively achieve lean manufacturing, two important things to know are takt time and cycle time. Takt time is the speed needed to make products to match what customers want. It’s calculated by dividing work time by what customers will buy. Cycle time is the actual time it takes to make one item fully from […]

View More

SixSigma.us
Accreditation & Affiliations

PMI-logo-6sigma-us
Accreditation - ISSSP
Accreditation - IACET
Affiliation - GSA
Accreditation - BBB
Accreditation - SHRM
ICE ProudMember Logo 6sigma.us