How to remove waste from Six Sigma projects at GKN Aerospace Sweden

Abstract

Six Sigma projects are not associated with quick solutions. In an environment where products need to see no defects when exiting the production facility, companies can easily fall into the pattern of post process inspection and reparation and treating symptoms of problems by using band aids. In this thesis the author will describe the current situation regarding Six Sigma usage at parts of GKN Aerospace Sweden as well as provide and evaluate solutions to incorporate their new Lean philosophy in the current Six Sigma usage. A focus will be put on reducing waste in the Six Sigma projects and thus shortening the time needed to complete the projects while still getting more benefit out of them. By conducting action research in the form of a Six Sigma project within the production at the company, several improvements could be found. Generally regarding data documentation and digitalization, data analysis improvements, increased ground level knowledge and tool usage.