Using lean-sigma for the integration of two products during a ramp-up event

Abstract

Keeping up the quality level in in a manufacturing environment has become an issue when trying to start the production of a new product which is in a ramp-up stage into a running production line ramp-down model. If production of the old model is ended too fast will make shortages in the customer supply, and will have excessive inventory numbers of the newer product. Trying the re-design in a production line to keep building the old model while incorporating the newer tends to create an undesirable impact on quality and productivity. Nowadays, continuous improvement methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma are used to solve this challenge. While Lean Manufacturing tends to be efficient for quick fixes, Six Sigma works better when there is plenty of time to conduct deeper statistical analysis. This chapter describes a combination of Lean Manufacturing speed with the Six Sigma analysis' power. Combined to maintain the quality and productivity of a production process during such conditions.