Tracks

Track Descriptions

Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is critical for organizations to remain viable. Based on the underlying premise that reducing variation will increase customer satisfaction and ultimately the bottom line, lean and Six Sigma are applicable to all types of businesses. These presentations share process improvement success stories in increasing effectiveness by reducing inefficiencies, eliminating waste, reducing variation and improving on-target performance in a wide variety of applications and industries. Sub-categories within this track include:

Design
Lean Tools
Lean Services
Measurements
Quality Engineering
Six Sigma

Presentations in this track will address a variety of methods, techniques and management structures utilized in achieving operational excellence along with the presentation of financial, quality and other results achieved. These could be substantial cost reductions, enhanced customer service, increased sigma level, increased efficiency or increased profitability. Case studies in lean and quality will also demonstrate how companies successfully implement multiple tools in a synergistic manner for holistic optimization of an enterprise. Cases demonstrating the application of the operational excellence philosophy within the enterprise and throughout the supply chain will be presented.

Corporate Culture and Customer Value

Planning and implementation of lean and quality initiatives throughout the enterprise requires long-term management commitment, a dynamic strategic/business vision, a significant investment in financial and people resources and training and a focus on addressing and satisfying customer needs. Presentations in this track will address such topics as business process reengineering, engineering the organization, strategic leadership, performance measures at the tactical and strategic level, along with cultural barriers to implementation and how to use teamwork to enlighten management and associates alike. Techniques to address customer value while incorporating the voice of the customer will also be explored. The use of project/program management, improvement applications of communications and incentive and compensation plans supporting an initiative are also emphasized.

Lean and Quality

Lean and quality experts and practitioners will demonstrate their success stories through a range of insights and principles that have enabled them to achieve operational excellence and run healthy core businesses in a spectrum of industries. The experts will deliver a wealth of insights including value stream mapping in the manufacturing and office environment, applying quality principles, meeting logistics challenges, implementing quality systems and establishing relationships with suppliers. The purpose of this track is to share lessons learned in the lean and quality deployment through identified best practices, communication, common goals and strategic implementation tools.

Methodologies and Case Studies

Quality and Lean Systems Management

Quality and lean systems management is that aspect of the overall management function that determines and implements the policies and procedures necessary to improve and control the various processes that will ultimately lead to improved business performance. It is a broad spectrum, encompassing both quality assurance and system improvement for developing and implementing management systems for operational excellence. These presentations describe how organizations have developed and implemented management systems for operational excellence that comply with recognized lean and quality systems standards using a variety of methodologies and techniques.