A simulation-based DFSS for a lean service system. (2nd June 2006)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Al-Aomar, Raid
• Editors: Thomas, Andrew S.; McKay, Alison; De Pennington, Alan
• Is Part Of: International journal of product development. Volume 3:Number 3/4(2006)
• Page Start: 349
• Page End: 368
• Publication Date: 2006-06-02
• Subjects: design for six sigma -- DFSS -- discrete event simulation -- lean services -- lean manufacturing -- service systems -- dental clinics -- quality function deployment -- QFD -- process mapping -- critical-to-quality -- CTQ -- Taguchi methods -- DOE -- design of experiments -- process design; New products -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Research, Industrial -- Periodicals; 658.57505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-9056

Abstract

This paper describes a simulation-based approach for applying a lean Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) methodology on a service system. At the Identify stage, Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and Process Mapping are developed to assign Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) measures to the baseline of the service process. At the Design stage, Taguchi's P-Diagram and Discrete Event Simulation (DES) are utilised to incorporate process control and random factors into the stochastic and dynamic service process. At the Optimise stage, Design of Experiments (DOE) and Lean Techniques are applied to optimise process parameters and to enhance the structure of the service process so that Six Sigma performance and high process effectiveness are achieved. Finally, at the Verify stage, the DES model is used to verify the final process design in terms of robustness and economical viability. A case study of a dental clinic is used to clarify the application of the proposed approach.