During this critical times, Transplace is launching Lean Six Sigma Program. They had started with the initiative in 2005, and is into it till now.
To date, Transplace has sent to training 12 Black Belts and 65 Green Belts that lead and provide support on projects. As a result, the program has made Transplace realize savings in excess of $5 million, allowing the company to continue investing in people, processes, and technology; all to bring value to its customers.
What’s good about Transplace’s Lean Six Sigma initiative is that it is supported by top management. According to its CEO, Tom Sanderson, the main objective of the program is to equip employees to make decisions based on statistical analysis and drive waste out of processes.
In this note, Transplace suggests the following to make your Lean Six Sigma program successful:
- Provide executive support and leadership. Programs have a better chance of positively influencing the culture with sustainable results when there is sponsorship and support from the highest levels.
- Dedicate qualified individuals. Commit employees with the appropriate skills and not just those that are available. It is important to have solid leadership driving the program and teaching these critical skills to others.
- Practice what you preach. Using Lean Six Sigma principles internally drives experience and knowledge on the program and strategies.
- Fully develop your program. Companies should consider committing 1 percent of their employees to a full-time Black Belt role and engage 10 percent of their employees part-time for leading Green Belt projects.
- Learn from others. Discussing successful Lean Six Sigma strategies with peers paves the way for building best practices and aids in avoiding common pitfalls. Continue to benchmark your Lean Six Sigma program with others.
- Do not practice on customers. Becoming proficient at Lean Six Sigma strategies before engaging customers is critical in order to ensure positive results occur and problems are avoided during implementation.
