Implementation of a Six Sigma project in a 3M division of Brazil

Abstract

Purpose

The Six Sigma project aims at a continual reduction in process variation, eliminating defects or flaws in products and services, optimizing processes and reducing costs. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate improvements in customer service index (CSI), product cycle time and inventory turnover after implementation of a Six Sigma project.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focused on the value stream mapping of a company process, performed by a multidisciplinary team that implemented a pull production system, the standard operational procedure in machines that were process bottlenecks, and the kanban system.

Findings

After three months of implementation, the authors observed an 11.7 percent reduction in product cycle time, increase in customer service index (CSI) from 93.9 to 97 percent and increase in inventory turnovers from 4.9 to 9.

Originality/value

The project was in accordance with the competitive strategy of the company, which is focused on customer satisfaction and cost reduction.

Citation

Pires de Souza, R., Roberto Hékis, H., Ambrósio Bezerra Oliveira, L., Viegas Queiroz, J., Barbosa Pereira Queiroz, F.C. and Alexsandro de Medeiros Valentim, R. (2013), "Implementation of a Six Sigma project in a 3M division of Brazil", International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, Vol. 30 No. 2, pp. 129-141. https://doi.org/10.1108/02656711311293553