Lean

Our industry and client experiences reveal a crucial barrier to breakthrough operating performance. Many leaders do not fully understand the power of a Lean Six Sigma Enterprise Transformation as a strategic business initiative. In many instances, executives unknowingly adopt a “Kaizen” approach (continuous incremental improvement) that is suitable when applied tactically to a product line, function, or organization that is mature and stable. This approach rarely delivers against senior management expectations regarding cost performance, speed, or capacity growth.

Our approach to Lean Six Sigma is designed to produce radical change or improvements (“Kaikaku”). This transformational approach encompasses the entire value stream and addresses the financial, operational, and cultural aspects required for large-scale improvements. It is best suited for companies facing major new growth opportunities, intense cost pressures, or turnaround situations. The methodology comprises:

Lean Diagnostic: In addition to identifying “quick hits” that can offer immediate savings, we conduct a technical and cultural assessment of the enterprise, determine the opportunity, and develop a Lean transformation roadmap. Best practice analysis and benchmarking often provide insight during this phase.
Lean Roadmap: The combined client/Oliver Wyman team begins detailed development and aggressive deployment of the Lean transformation roadmap and initiatives.
Pilot and Implement: Identify high-impact pilot area, implement Lean Six Sigma process, monitor results, and capture lessons learned. Horizontally deploy across the rest of the organization.
Sustain Performance Improvement: Concurrently with Performance Enhancement, we assist the client in developing an organizational infrastructure and culture that will support and advance its Lean Six Sigma Enterprise Transformation journey.

Lean Six Sigma Improvement Tools

We offer our clients training and education on the appropriate Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques that can be applied to address a specific operational issue or as part of an overall Lean Six Sigma Enterprise Transformation effort.

Lean Tools
• Value Stream and Process Mapping
• Cross-Functional Mapping
• Hoshin Planning
• 5S
• TPM
• Pull Systems
• Kaizen Events
• Standard Work
• Visual Controls
• Practical Problem Solving

Statistical Tools
• Gage R&R (MSA)
• Process Capability
• Graphical Analysis
• Data Collection Plan
• Hypothesis Testing
• Multiple Regression
• Design of Experiments
• Modeling
• Statistical Process Control
• Control Charts

Organizational Development
• Project Chartering
• Stakeholder Analysis
• Balanced Scorecard (Flow down)
• Voice of the Customer - Kano
• Competitive Benchmarking
• Survey Design/Analysis
• Change Management Tools
• Effective Communication

Project Management
• New Product & Service Introduction
• Scoping Documents
• Running Effective Meetings
• Gantt Charts
• Project Tracking Databases
• Technology Roadmaps
• Return On Investment/ROR
• Control Plans
• Project Transition

Experience

We facilitate change management by focusing on capability development, transfer, and training of the client organization, which generates both short-term results and sustained long-term performance improvement.

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