UNI122 Environmental Studies: Lean Six Sigma Approach

Lean Six Sigma Approach

• A team-focused managerial approach that seeks to improve performance by eliminating resource waste and defects, as well as deviations from standards.
• 5 steps for Six Sigma:
  • Define the problem: craft a problem statement, goal statement, project charter, customer requirement, and process map.
  • Measure the current process: collect data on current performance and issues, and verify that the data is reliable.
  • Analyze the cause of issues: examine the process and data, display the data, investigate and confirm what's causing the issues, and update the project charter as needed.
  • Improve the process: decide on solutions to fix issues, create process maps for new solutions, take steps to implement new fixes, and continue to measure improvement.
  • Control: refine the new process, continue monitoring, and use findings elsewhere in the business, if possible.

5S Technique

• 5 benefits of a 5S system:
  • Creates space within the facility by removing unnecessary tools and equipment.
  • Reduces downtime and improves quality by consistently maintaining equipment.
  • Reduces waste from unnecessary motion by organizing the workspace.
  • Engages operators by granting them more responsibility for their work environment.
  • Creates a safer work environment by ensuring it is clean and well-maintained.

5S Steps

Sort

• Separates items in the workspace that are needed from items that are not needed or may not be needed.
• Move unnecessary items to a "red tag" holding area.
• Why it's necessary: enables a more productive workspace by removing unneeded clutter and eliminating distractions.
• 5 types of items:
  • Items needed in this work area.
  • Items needed in another work area.
  • Items you may need (use the 5S "red tag" system).
  • Items you do not need (discard, recycle, donate, or sell).

Straighten (Set to Order)

• Thoroughly organizes the items that remain after sorting, making frequently used items easily accessible.
• Why it's necessary: enables every item to have a specific home where it can be easily found and returned.
• Reduces waste from excess motion.
• 5 steps:
  • Provide easy access to frequently used items.
  • Group like items.
  • Utilize visual designs.
  • Use containers.
  • Be agile.

Shine

• Elevates the work area by ensuring thoroughly cleaned and inspected tools, equipment, and other items.
• Why it's necessary: creates a work environment that engages and empowers operators, and helps them identify problems before they interfere with production.
• 5 steps:
  • Grab the metaphorical spray bottle (use appropriate cleaners and cleaning tools).
  • Find the source (identify the source of leaks, spills, or debris).
  • Inspect (examine the condition of each item after cleaning).

Standardize

• Captures best practices for 5S as standardized work for the team.
• Why it's necessary: makes 5S repeatable and transforms it from a one-off project to a reproducible set of activities.
• 5 steps:
  • Document in pairs (document 5S tasks as a team).
  • Capture the essence (document the essential tasks and no more).
  • Prefer checklists (use simple and easy-to-follow checklists).
  • Organize to simplify (organize checklists by role, shift, and frequency).
  • Build a schedule for tasks.

This quiz covers the Lean Six Sigma approach in environmental studies, focusing on waste minimization, workplace organization, and visual management in the engineering workplace.