The Impact of Continuous Improvement Concepts on the Performance of Furniture Production Processes

Abstract

Most small and medium-sized enterprises in the furniture industry use simple partial approaches to improve or manage production processes. The article aims to present research results focused on continuous process improvement through the implementation of Six Sigma (SS) and Lean Six Sigma (LSS) concepts in furniture production. Their impact on the performance via the level of the ROE (Return on Equity) indicator was evaluated using statistical methods of Chi-square test and Cramer's contingency coefficient. The results of the research showed that furniture enterprises that had implemented selected methods of quality management reached a medium level of ROE values. The absence of a more comprehensive approach to managing the performance of processes was the impulse for a model creation based on the interconnection of SS and LSS concepts. The model should a practical use of appropriate methodologies and procedures in the management of furniture production processes, as well as in their optimisation. A thorough analysis of nonconforming products performed in furniture manufacturing processes transformed into SS and LSS metrics and the implementation of the model in the enterprise led to reduced process waste by reducing the number of non-conforming products, reducing the cost of such products, and increasing the capability of critical processes. Implications for Central European audience:The combination of theoretical knowledge in performance management and quality of production processes and practical knowledge from the real implementation of methods and tools for continuous improvement of production process capability in the company proved to be a good basis for creating a model within SS and LSS. These facts have contributed to the development of scientific knowledge. The presented application of methods and tools within SS and LSS will provide instructions for the use of new management methods. The specific outputs of the research work improve defining problems, measuring process parameters, analysis of measured data, improving furniture production processes.

Operational excellence of the steel industry using the Lean Six Sigma approach: a case study

“…, 2019). After Total productive maintenance (TPM) implemented work-in-progress, machine breakdowns and workstation non-productive time were decreased (Parmar and Desai, 2019; Simanová and Sujová, 2022). Routine maintenance was performed on all machinery on the shop floor, including cleaning, greasing, inspections and corrective action.…”

“…This phase involves using 5S and Kanban systems to divide work equitably according to quantity and variety to lower the proportion of work in process inventory, cut down on NVAT and enable customers to place smaller batches at later stages of the process (Pereira et al, 2019). After Total productive maintenance (TPM) implemented work-inprogress, machine breakdowns and workstation non-productive time were decreased (Parmar and Desai, 2019;Simanov a and Sujov a, 2022). Routine maintenance was performed on all machinery on the shop floor, including cleaning, greasing, inspections and corrective action.…”

Increasing the Efficiency of Furniture Production – Case Study

“…Most companies in the furniture industry, especially small and medium-sized companies, use a simple approach to improving or managing production processes. The article (Simanová & Sujová, 2022) presents the results of research aimed at continuous improvement through the implementation of the Lean Six Sigma concept in furniture production. The results indicate that furniture companies that have implemented selected quality management methods achieve an average level of ROE (Return on Equity).…”