Application of Lean-­‐Six Sigma DMAIC methodology in water network in the University of Limerick

Abstract

Consulta en la Biblioteca ETSI Industriales (Riunet)

[EN] Lean, which is a term that is coined by James Womack (Womack et al.,2007), in the broadest sense, is a business transformation methodology that derived from the Toyota Production System (TPS). Within the Lean methodology is a relentless focus in understanding and increasing costumer value, by reducing the cycle time of product or service delivery. Reducing the cycle time occurs by eliminating all forms of muda, which is a Japanese term for “waste”, muri which is a Japanese term for “overburdening of people and machines”, and mura, which is a Japanese term for “unevenness in the workflow or unevenness in demand” Although the elimination of muda, muri, and mura is critical to Lean thinking, equally critical is a clear understanding of value as defined by the ultimate customer of a product, service, or both. Will the costumer be willing to pay for an activity if given the chance? If so, it adds value. According Womack and Jones, Lean thinking “provides a way to specify value, line up value-creating actions in the best subsequence (the value stream), conduct these activities without interruption whenever someone request them, and perform them more and more effectively” (Womack & Jones, 2010)