Lean six sigma in the manufacturing and service sector

Lean and Six Sigma grew out of a long tradition of efforts to improve quality and processes in manufacturing. For example, Frederick Winslow Taylor’s scientific management and Frank Gilbreth’s “time and motion” studies were among the first recipes for improving the quality and efficiency of production processes.

Lean and Six Sigma is particularly synonymous with the automotive industry. Lean was first pioneered by Ford in the early 20th century and is famously credited with Taiichi Ohno’s articulation of the Toyota Production System (TPS) where he first identified seven types of waste. 

Auto companies benefited from being able to produce more vehicles at a higher quality and with fewer recalls. And dealers benefited from increased sales and faster service by eliminating waste such as movement and inventory.

Lean and Six Sigma have been applied to manufacturers time and time again with dramatic results. From food/beverage products to appliances, furniture and pharmaceuticals; manufacturers have seen a significant reduction in defects and, in some cases, almost complete elimination. This directly impacted profit margins and significantly improved customer satisfaction, leading to customer loyalty, a reputation for quality and increased sales.