The influence of lean manufacturing and six sigma on the quality-cost-time triangle in the Philippine electronics industry

The purpose of this study is to establish the positive influence of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Lean Sigma on the improvement of Quality, Cost and Cycle time of Philippine electronics manufacturing companies. The study also aims to identify the structural changes that should take place in Philippine electronics manufacturing operations upon implementation of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and/or Lean Sigma. The research process included a review of literature, a focus group discussion among a sample of electronics manufacturing companies in the Philippines which are members of the Semiconductor and Electronics Industry of the Philippines, Inc. (SEIPI), a questionnaire sent to executives of SEIPI member companies, probability sampling and statistical analysis of the data to arrive at the results. The research confirmed that the use of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and Lean Sigma tools resulted in major improvements in Quality, Cost and Cycle time. This result was integrated into the Ford Production System to come up with the Lachica Model Breakthrough improvements could be achieved with infrastructure improvements that would ensure the systematic deployment of Lean Sigma tools such as the DMAIC approach, Blackbelts, SPC (Statistical Process Control), Kanban, and SMED (Single- Minute Exchange of Die). Lean, Six Sigma and/or Lean Sigma should be taught in Philippine universities, at least in the engineering curriculum. Lastly, a professional organization that promotes Lean Sigma should be formed to help Philippine companies enhance their competitiveness