Lean Six Sigma @ 3M

3M began its Six Sigma journey in 2001. Since then, the company has been reaping benefits and savings.

Featured on Industry Trends at ARC Advisory Group, Paul Husby, 3M VP Supply Chain Services and Operations, shared the following 3M’s Six Sigma journey through these years:

• company now has a common language and methodology for continuous improvement
• its culture has become cross-functional, and data driven decision-making
• its operating margins improved by 5 percentage points from 18% to 23%, which translates into $1 billion in margin gain

In 2005, 3M incorporated Lean Manufactuing to its Six Sigma initiatives. This is what’s happening now at 3M.

Now, their Six Sigma and Lean programs are fully integrated together. Lean has a broader view by examining the value steam. Six Sigma offers focused problem-solving tools for specific operational issues. Positioning when to use the Six Sigma tools and Lean methods was worked out with the program managers. The use of Value Stream Mapping () has helped identify many new projects that where overlooked when only Six Sigma was in use.

Now, 3M usually starts with VSM. The typical 3M plant has 3 to 8 value streams. If Lean methods solve the issue, then just do it. When the issue needs a lot of statistical analysis, a black belt is assigned. Other-wise, a Green belt engages.

Source:
ARC Advisory Group Industry Trends, “Lean Six Sigmat at 3M” with link provided by Six Sigma Zone.

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3M Finding its Way to Six Sigma
3M Brazil

 Filed under: Benefits and Savings, Manufacturing, Six Sigma Organizations, 3M | |