A Contemporary Six Sigma and Lean Integration : Towards the Ideal State

Abstract: A new reality, where human labor is replaced by automated machines is causing production management to rethink how they can steer the production to meet their customers demand. There is a gap of values, techniques and tools to communicate with the processes existing in the new modern factories, where data sometimes is the single output. This thesis purpose was to develop a model out of Lean and Six Sigma, as an answer to how modern factory could work with an information system, reaching the ideal state.   Through a theoretical analysis, Lean and Six Sigma differences in values, techniques and tools were weighted by the ideal state and recommendations from literature. Through a unstructured interview and system design review with a logistic group at a Swedish Modern Factory (SMF) a concept of an information system was developed. A project to test the model was initialized, where Define, Measure and Analyze phase was conducted. The model was thereafter modified from the projects implications.   The result was a Lean Six Sigma model which values are customer focus, ideal state, result orientation, committed leadership, education and involvement. The technique follow a DMAIC cycle and continuous improvements through a current to future state approach. The used techniques were considered Six Sigma heavy, where Leans principles are considered into the models values. The information system supports the model in setting the processes of the factory in either stability or potential state, where they differ in Measure and Analyze phase. The test at SMF developed several assignable causes to variation on the component As lead time. The model adapted after the test to involve a Measurement System Analysis (MSA), before setting the next current state of the process.