19 December, 2011
Kimal Lean Six Sigma Presentation Evening
The Kimal Lean Six Sigma programme has created an infrastructure of people within the organisation who are experts in methods of Six Sigma; a quality improvements programme to improve the efficiency and quality of processes within the organisation in order to achieve growth.
Since Six Sigma training was adopted by Kimal in January 2008, more than 35 employees have successfully been through the programme. Most recently training began in May 2011 for Matt Banner, Megan Harvard and Rachel Phipps on Green Belt level and Helen Twigg, Richard Bramwell and Jon Baker on Black Belt level. Similar to terminology used in martial arts to define hierarchy/knowledge Six Sigma identifies roles of successful implementation. The training programme begins with employees working towards White or Yellow Belt, through to Green Belt and then Black Belt. At higher stages individuals can become Master Black Belts. To ensure that vital support is provided it is also necessary for senior members of the organisation to be Champions and Executive Leaders.
Those on the programme have carried out a defined sequence of steps which focus on improvements to transactional processes such as customer pricing and order queries, stock control and improvements to production and data management. Successful completion and management of these projects will account for improved transactional processes and customer service along with improved cross functional integration and team work.
A presentation evening to acknowledge employees hard work and achievement completing Green Belt and Black Belt Six Sigma training took place on Thursday 15th December at the Copthorne Hotel in Birmingham City Centre.
As the host company Kimal were joined by other organisations also undertaking the training; provided by Capella Associates and funded by West Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service.
Richard Bramwell described what has been involved in the training;” we have learnt how to apply Six Sigma DMAICR (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control, Replicate) methodology. This involves establishing what the problem is, what are the root causes, how do we fix the root causes and how do we put controls in place to ensure the problem doesn’t return”.
When asked how Six Sigma will make a difference to Kimal, Richard commented “the work each project leader has put in so far will form the basis of long term improvements which forms the foundation for Kimal’s ambitious growth strategies. The projects as a whole ensure the customer is central to Kimal’s future, by addressing the customer primary concerns Quality, Cost and Delivery (QCD)”.
As a testament to the success of the programme and recognition of the many opportunities which could be further areas for improvement, Kimal have created the role of Supply Chain Continuous Improvement Project Team Leader which Richard Bramwell has embarked on. Richard’s role will be specifically focussed on ensuring our complete supply chain is capable of delivering to all customers’ requirements.
