Six sigma initially started off as defect reduction method, but in managing corporations, defects are not the only issues to win customers or making profits. Resources optimization also a huge issue when it comes to profit and loss. So beside defects which always refer to non conformance of the final products, resources utilization also need to continuously be reduced to improve profitability. From my practice in a japanese mnfg environment improvement subjects are beyond lean six sigma and defects. We improved attendace rate, line capacity, machine footprint, we even use it in pricing strategies, value engineering of procurements costs etc
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