Integrating the Theory of Constraints and Six Sigma in Manufacturing Process Improvement
Six Sigma is a well known discipline that reduces
variation using complex statistical tools and the DMAIC model. By
integrating Goldratts-s Theory of Constraints, the Five Focusing
Points and System Thinking tools, Six Sigma projects can be selected
where it can cause more impact in the company. This research
defines an integrated model of six sigma and constraint management
that shows a step-by-step guide using the original methodologies
from each discipline and is evaluated in a case study from the
production line of a Automobile engine monoblock V8, resulting in
an increase in the line capacity from 18.7 pieces per hour to 22.4
pieces per hour, a reduction of 60% of Work-In-Process and a
variation decrease of 0.73%.
[1] H. Gitlow, and D. Levine, Six Sigma for green belts and champions.
Pearson Education Inc. Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey,
2005.
[2] E. Goldratt and J. Cox , The Goal. North-River Press, Great Barrington,
Massachusetts, 2002.
[3] E. Schragenheim, Management Dilemmas: The theory of constraints
approach to problem identification and solutions. St. Lucie
Press/APICS, Boca Raton, Florida, 2000.
[4] Nave, Dave, "How to compare six sigma, lean and the theory of
constraints". Quality Process. American Society of Quality, March 2002,
2002, pp.73-78.
[5] J. Arthur, The Small Business Guerrilla Guide to Six Sigma. Lifestar
Publishing. Denver, Colorado, 2003.
[6] M. Gupta, "Activity-based throughput management in a manufacturing
company". Int. J. Prod. Res. Taylor and Francis Group, Vol. 39, 2000,
pp. 1163-1182.
[7] M. Gupta, "Constraints Management - Recent Advances and Practices".
Int. J. Prod. Res. Taylor and Francis Group, Vol. 41, 2003, pp. 647-659.
[1] H. Gitlow, and D. Levine, Six Sigma for green belts and champions.
Pearson Education Inc. Prentice Hall. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey,
2005.
[2] E. Goldratt and J. Cox , The Goal. North-River Press, Great Barrington,
Massachusetts, 2002.
[3] E. Schragenheim, Management Dilemmas: The theory of constraints
approach to problem identification and solutions. St. Lucie
Press/APICS, Boca Raton, Florida, 2000.
[4] Nave, Dave, "How to compare six sigma, lean and the theory of
constraints". Quality Process. American Society of Quality, March 2002,
2002, pp.73-78.
[5] J. Arthur, The Small Business Guerrilla Guide to Six Sigma. Lifestar
Publishing. Denver, Colorado, 2003.
[6] M. Gupta, "Activity-based throughput management in a manufacturing
company". Int. J. Prod. Res. Taylor and Francis Group, Vol. 39, 2000,
pp. 1163-1182.
[7] M. Gupta, "Constraints Management - Recent Advances and Practices".
Int. J. Prod. Res. Taylor and Francis Group, Vol. 41, 2003, pp. 647-659.
@article{"International Journal of Business, Human and Social Sciences:59022", author = "Kai Jin and Hyder Abdul-Razzak and Yousri Elkassabgi and Hong Zhou and Aaron Herrera", title = "Integrating the Theory of Constraints and Six Sigma in Manufacturing Process Improvement", abstract = "Six Sigma is a well known discipline that reduces
variation using complex statistical tools and the DMAIC model. By
integrating Goldratts-s Theory of Constraints, the Five Focusing
Points and System Thinking tools, Six Sigma projects can be selected
where it can cause more impact in the company. This research
defines an integrated model of six sigma and constraint management
that shows a step-by-step guide using the original methodologies
from each discipline and is evaluated in a case study from the
production line of a Automobile engine monoblock V8, resulting in
an increase in the line capacity from 18.7 pieces per hour to 22.4
pieces per hour, a reduction of 60% of Work-In-Process and a
variation decrease of 0.73%.", keywords = "Constraint Management, Manufacturing Process
Improvement, Six Sigma, System Thinking.", volume = "3", number = "1", pages = "81-5", }