Implementing Lean Six Sigma throughout the Supply Chain 8.pdf

Chapter 7 Improve Phase Introduction The Define phase stated the problem; the Measure phase established a baseline; and the Analyze phase bore a root cause. Now the team needed to be creative with ways to improve %trailer utilization without changing the cur- rent customer satisfaction level. Knowing that the main root cause, warehouse demand, could not be altered, the solutions would need to be very creative. Here in the Improve phase, the solutions should be chosen to address the root cause, and they should be tested to ensure that they truly do solve the problem. Without missing a beat, Anita supplied the team with questions for Improve at their first meeting of the phase. ◾ What is the work breakdown structure for this project? ◾ What specific activities are necessary to meet the project’s goals? ◾ How will we reintegrate the various subprojects? ◾ Do the changes produce the desired effects? ◾Are there any unanticipated consequences? 207 208  ◾  Implementing Lean Six Sigma Throughout the Supply Chain Improve Activities Deliverables Identify Breakthrough and Improvement Recommendations Select Practical Approaches Action (Pilot) Plans Perform Cost/Benefit Analysis Cost/Benefit Analysis Design Future State Future State Process Maps Establish Performance Targets Dashboards and Scorecards and Project Scorecard Gain Approval to Implement Recommendation Report Train and Execute Training Plan Figure 7.1 Improve phase activ