Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1275515
40 | July - August 2020 | www . machinerylubrication.com Overlapping Skill Sets ere have been many times in my career when I have looked back with awe at where my path has led me. A great and often overlooked result of transitioning from one career or company to another is the opportu- nity to gain unique field experiences and adapt them to new practices along the way. My first occupation post-education was functioning in an industrial engineering role at an appliance manufacturing facility. In this position, I spent a fair amount of time working alongside team members to install and run-in new equipment, balance manufacturing lines, improve plant processes, as well as integrate lean and Six Sigma principles. While I have chosen to advance in my career and move outside the realm of this industry and field practice, I still carry many of these skills with me. I often prac- tice them in the field of machinery lubrication and oil analysis today. As you begin to progress in your career and step into new roles and respon- sibilities, it may be worthwhile to make note of how prior experiences can benefit you in your new position. Introduction to Lean Six Sigma Lean Six Sigma is a methodology used to aid facilities in delivering strong client value through curtailing waste and errors while also improving quality and consistency. While lean and Six Sigma impressions have two separate identities, they often coexist during development. Facili- ties benefit greatly by implementing both concepts, to a certain degree, simultaneously. e lean portion of this concept concentrates on the streamlining of processes while Six Sigma concentrates on quality. rough the integration of these disciplines, sites often see an increase in profit, a decrease in costs and improved process competencies; as a result, overall customer satisfac- tion improves. While this proven technique is most notably used in product manufacturing, there are a multitude of industries and field disciplines that can gain efficient market advantages though lean Six Sigma implementation as well. Even within a specified niche arena such as machinery lubrication, there are numerous elements in which lean Six Sigma plays a significant role. We will take a look at 13 specific lean Six Sigma principles that can directly affect your lubrication program. Excess Processing: Lubricant Consolidation One fundamental principle in the implementation of lean meth- odology is excess processing, or the identification and reduction of excess processing. Excess processing can be thought of as any action that that does not add value to the product. With regards to machinery lubri- cation, a great example of excess processing would be the handling of redundant lubricants on site. A key, initial objective for most sites in the development of their lubrication program should be the sound undertaking of lubrication 13 Lean Six Sigma Principles in Machinery Lubrication: A Baker's Dozen A great and often overlooked result of transitioning from one career or company to another is the opportunity to gain unique field experiences and adapt them to new practices along the way. " Lean Six Sigma BACK PAGE BASICS Matt Adams | Noria Corporation