PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a bibliometric study about Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the manufacturing process and to conduct an analysis of sources of publication, authorship, citations and other bibliometric indicators. This paper also identifies the research agenda for future research related to the LSS approach in manufacturing processes.Design/methodology/approachA total of 508 articles published during the period 2002 to 2017 were collected through an automated process from the Scopus and Web of Science databases and later analyzed using techniques such as data mining, bibliometric indicators analysis, cluster analysis, network analysis and word cloud. The boundaries of the study cover studies directed to the manufacturing processes.FindingsThe research identified 1,110 authors from 54 countries and 15 most prolific journals among the 162 journals investigated. The study unveils relevant articles, authors and journals that have discussed LSS initiatives in the manufacturing process.Practical implicationsThe study findings can make practitioners aware of the state of the art and the specificities of the most prolific studies. Furthermore, this paper also intends to clarify the project themes and tools most used in these works.Originality/valueThe geographical locations of influential articles and authors are revealed. Additionally, frequently used words are listed and helped to develop a research agenda that highlights relevant themes, methods and industries.

PurposeThis paper aims to develop a conceptual framework of the implementation of the contact points (CPs) between Lean Six Sigma practices and Industry 4.0 technologies.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was carried out based on two samples. A first sample containing 78 articles was analyzed through bibliometric indicators. After that, a second sample of 33 articles was analyzed in-depth according to research questions.FindingsThe conceptual framework involves 13 CPs between Lean Six Sigma (LSS) practices and I4.0 technologies (what), going through the technical requirements needed (how), categorized as information technology (IT), automation and competence requirements, to finally present the main results reported in the literature (why).Research limitations/implicationsThis paper presents an innovative perspective of interactions between digital technologies and LSS practices, expanding knowledge about Digital LSS. Such perspective gives emphasis to the importance of technical requirements, such as communication and connectivity protocols, network topology, machine-to-machine communication (M2M), human–machine interfaces (HMI), as well as analytical and digital skills.Practical implicationsThe managerial implications regarding the digitalization of LSS practices address the investments required for the acquisition and maintenance of cyber-physical systems (CPS). Moreover, there is a need for the development of skills so that operators can successfully use the new technologies in a context of continuous improvement.Originality/valueThis paper presents a conceptual framework covering 13 CPs between LSS practices and Industry 4.0 technologies, the technical requirements and the expected results. It is hoped that this framework can assist future research and operational excellence projects towards digitalization.

PurposeCompetitive pressures force companies to seek solutions to eliminate wastes while improving product quality. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been considered one of the most effective approaches for business transformation. This article aims to present an empirical case study where LSS and Define, Measure–Analyze–Improve–Control (DMAIC) methodologies are applied to reduce defects in a car parts manufacturer.Design/methodology/approachThe study follows the DMAIC methodology. Design of experiments and hypothesis testing were applied in a single case study.FindingsThe main defects and the main factors that cause defective parts were indicated for die-casting and machining processes. Solutions implemented reduced the defect incidence from a chronically high level to an acceptable one. The sigma level rose from 3.4 s to 4 s sustainably.Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited to a single case study, without intention of generalizing the results to other types of industries.Practical implicationsThis paper can be a useful guide of how to use DMAIC Six Sigma approach to defect reduction and can be applied in many sectors.Social implicationsThis study offers the knowledge on how to apply the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology, reducing the dependence on specialization courses.Originality/valueThis study describes in detail the process used in a structured improvement exercise including sigma-level calculation, factorial experiments and hypothesis tests – a set of techniques still poorly combined in the literature.

PurposeThis paper aims to characterize a sample of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) projects in healthcare settings and discuss some specificities of operational excellence (OPEX) initiatives in hospitals and healthcare organizations in the USA.Design/methodology/approachA content analysis involving a sample of 23 documents shared by US hospitals was performed in order to achieve the research objectives. Such analysis was based on a conceptual framework developed from the literature review. It was also applied to a quantitative approach, including descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing and correspondence analysis that supported the research.FindingsMost LSSH projects were focused on business transformation and strategic improvements. Simple techniques and tools were predominant such as descriptive statistics, process mapping, 5S and spaghetti charts, usually implemented by Green Belts and Black Belts through the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) method. In addition to the expressive findings reported, these projects' results have been aligned with lead time and operational cost reduction, quality improvement and capacity increase.Research limitations/implicationsThe study adds knowledge to the OPEX literature by analyzing the Lean Six Sigma healthcare (LSSH) in hospitals and healthcare institutions in the USA. It also demonstrates that different approaches, such as the kaizen event and DMAIC project show different results according to some techniques and tools applied in the hospital environment.Originality/valueThe empirical evidence presented in this study provides scenery of the LSS practices in the healthcare settings, highlighting the implementation areas, outcomes, tools and techniques mostly used in the North American healthcare institutions.

PurposeThe present paper aims to demonstrate the potential of integration between industrial robotics and Lean Manufacturing (LM) approach to increase the efficiency of an assembly line.Design/methodology/approachBased on a case study performed in an Italian company, this paper reports a comparative analysis of the results produced on a line balancing study involving a semi-automated production line, aided by an industrial robot.FindingsThe results suggest the possibility of implementing industrial robotics in line balancing studies highlighting efficiency gains and idle reduction. Further, it also addresses some concepts directly related to industry 4.0, such as collaborative robotics, artificial intelligence, and lean automation.Practical implicationsLine balancing studies may include advanced robotics in order to extend traditional lean practices toward Digital LM.Originality/valueThis study adds contributions to the operational excellence literature, demonstrating the symbiosis between industrial robotics and LM practices.

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This article aims to present and discuss the framework of a qualification program on quality, occupational health and safety management for small and medium sized enterprises. The proposed qualification program includesResumo: Este artigo apresenta e discute a estruturação de um programa de qualificação para pequenas e médias empresas em gestão de qualidade, segurança e saúde ocupacional. O programa de qualificação proposto inclui a estruturação de um modelo de sistema de gestão integrado bem como a estruturação dos processos de implementação e auditoria deste sistema. O método de pesquisa-ação foi adotado para a condução da aplicação piloto desta proposta que foi realizada no aglomerado metal-mecânico de Sertãozinho, São Paulo. Os resultados preliminares da aplicação piloto apontam para possibilidade de operacionalização da proposta que pode contribuir em dois aspectos importantes: maior competitividade para as empresas do aglomerado e melhoria na competência da governança local em coordenar ações conjuntas. Ressalta-se ainda a existência de desafios para a continuidade do programa de qualificação, sendo a sua manutenção pela agência de coordenação local um dos mais críticos. Palavras

Purpose: This paper aims to understand the specificities inherent to collaborative robotics from the perspective of production and operations management, as well as to identify opportunities for future research on the topic. Methodology/Approach: A systematic literature review was carried out through Scopus and Web of Science databases. This procedure covered 84 articles published between 1997 and 2018. Findings: The study revealed the issues most addressed in the research on Collaborative robots (Cobots), the most cited works, and the research approaches adopted. Research Limitation/implication: The sample was extracted from only two international databases excluding publications in the form of books and articles from other databases. Originality/Value of paper: The study reveals some specificities regarding the application and development of COBOTs, as well as their advantages and drawbacks in the scope of production management.