The implementation of a Lean Six Sigma framework to enhance operational performance in an MRO facility

Abstract

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has rapidly established itself as the key business process improvement strategy of choice for many companies. The LSS approach provides significant benefits to companies through its dual focus on reducing waste and increasing value whilst resolving Critical to Quality (CTQ) issues that affect consistency and repeatability in a product and process. The implementation of LSS is finding wider application in many different environments. Through a case study approach, this paper describes the novel implementation of an integrated LSS framework and outlines how it was used to identify the factors that affect supply chain performance in an aerospace Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The study outlines the application and measures the effectiveness of the integrated LSS framework through its ability to achieve new and enhanced performance through simultaneously reducing late material calls and reducing and stabilizing Order To Receipt (OTR) times.

Lean Six Sigma in Manufacturing: A Comprehensive Review

“…Hill et al [45] (Figure 8). Hill et al [45] outlined the application and measures the effectiveness of the integrated LSS framework through its ability to achieve new and enhanced performance through simultaneously reducing late material calls and reducing and stabilizing Order To Receipt (OTR) times.…”

“…Lean six sigma is a systematic data driven methodological philosophy centered around eliminating waste, reducing process variation [61] and providing the best customer experience [45]. According to the Lean method, there are eight kinds of waste: defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, transportation, inventory, motion, and extra processing [62].…”

“…Hill et al [45] has developed an initial conceptual Lean Six Sigma Framework (LSSF) and undertook a series of iterative developments in an attempt to improve its effectiveness and suitability to Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) implementation. Hill et al [45] (Figure 8).…”

“…Hill et al [45] has developed an initial conceptual Lean Six Sigma Framework (LSSF) and undertook a series of iterative developments in an attempt to improve its effectiveness and suitability to Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) implementation. Hill et al [45] (Figure 8). Hill et al [45] outlined the application and measures the effectiveness of the integrated LSS framework through its ability to achieve new and enhanced performance through simultaneously reducing late material calls and reducing and stabilizing Order To Receipt (OTR) times.…”

“…Therefore, many manufacturing firms are looking for an approach that allows to combines both methodologies into an integrated system or improvement roadmap [44,45]. However, the differences between the Six Sigma and Lean are profound ( Table 1).…”