Six Sigma Paper
Using Six Sigma to Modernize Our Company
Michael Maeder
American Military University
MGT 500
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Current Methods 4
The Plan 5
Proposed Process for Change 7
Summary 9
Introduction
Times are changing in the world of automotive manufacturing. As global markets emerge, new methods, materials, and quality control standards have come to light that will directly impact how our business will be seen in the industry. While our manufacturing methodology allows us to manufacture somewhat economically, many areas of improvement exist that we need to address in an orderly manner starting with our automotive manufacturing line itself. Quite simply, it is outdated and needs to be overhauled in order to become more efficient. Along with efficiency, the processes in place for quality control need addressing as well, and will need to be incorporated into the new line simultaneously. These two items, while being costly to change, will define us as we move into the new century and beyond.
Current Methods Leading to Change
Our current methods are clearly archaic, a direct line from the original ideas of Henry Ford himself, labor intensive, poorly arranged, and a model of inefficiency. For example, we can manufacture one model per product line at a time; compare that to our rivals, HisCars, Incorporated, who can manufacture 5 models per manufacturing plant simultaneously and there is clearly area for improvement. The acceptance of flawed machines hurts our sales, hurts our profits, and threatens company survivability itself.
Our car manufacturing plant, for example, requires a retooling each time an engine change is ordered by a customer slowing down the line, with impacts felt by all
Michael Maeder
American Military University
MGT 500
Table of Contents
Introduction 3
Current Methods 4
The Plan 5
Proposed Process for Change 7
Summary 9
Introduction
Times are changing in the world of automotive manufacturing. As global markets emerge, new methods, materials, and quality control standards have come to light that will directly impact how our business will be seen in the industry. While our manufacturing methodology allows us to manufacture somewhat economically, many areas of improvement exist that we need to address in an orderly manner starting with our automotive manufacturing line itself. Quite simply, it is outdated and needs to be overhauled in order to become more efficient. Along with efficiency, the processes in place for quality control need addressing as well, and will need to be incorporated into the new line simultaneously. These two items, while being costly to change, will define us as we move into the new century and beyond.
Current Methods Leading to Change
Our current methods are clearly archaic, a direct line from the original ideas of Henry Ford himself, labor intensive, poorly arranged, and a model of inefficiency. For example, we can manufacture one model per product line at a time; compare that to our rivals, HisCars, Incorporated, who can manufacture 5 models per manufacturing plant simultaneously and there is clearly area for improvement. The acceptance of flawed machines hurts our sales, hurts our profits, and threatens company survivability itself.
Our car manufacturing plant, for example, requires a retooling each time an engine change is ordered by a customer slowing down the line, with impacts felt by all
Bibliography: Fitz-Enz, J. (1997). The 8 Practices of Exceptional Companies: How Great Organizations Make the Most of Their Human Assets. New York: American Management Association. Peter S. Pande, R. P. (2000). The Six Sigma Way; How GE, Motorola, and Other Top Companies are Honing Their Performance. McGraw-ill. Susanto, L. (2003). Just in Tme in Ford. Retrieved from http://www.susanto.id.au: http://www.susanto.id.au/papers/JITFORD.asp