Page 107 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

CHOOSING A WASTE MINIMIZATION PROVIDER OR PARTNER 85

■ Customer satisfaction
■ Scrap or defect rate

Several key concepts to keep in mind during the deployment planning phase include

■ Communicating the benefits of Six Sigma as a business strategy across the organization.
■ Aligning with management in the deployment of solid waste minimization.
■ Building a successful infrastructure for solid waste minimization deployment.
■ Integration of solid waste minimization with other lean manufacturing, theory of
constraints (TOC), and other improvement methods.
■ Selection and orchestration of successful solid waste minimization projects and project
teams.
■ Utilization of the right metric to drive the right activity.
■ Planning and execution of projects.
■ Selection of the right statistical tools.

Finally, the recommended overall approach to the deployment of solid waste analysis
and minimization is based on proven Six Sigma methodologies. The Six Sigma process
involves the DMAIC methodology described in Chap. 6. Chapter 8 discusses about the
solid waste audit process.

4.2 Choosing a Waste Minimization

Provider or Partner

When an organization chooses to implement solid waste minimization, an outside
organization can be very useful and cost-effective to help with the implementation.
This may appear to be an expensive proposition when compared to an in-house imple-
mentation. However, the organization has to consider the real cost and time required
for effective program development, trainer development, and so forth. In addition, it is
important for organizations to consider the value of time lost when instructional mate-
rial is not satisfactory, not effective, and/or is inefficiently presented.
A good solid waste minimization provider can help with determining the deploy-
ment strategy, conducting initial training, and providing project coaching. The deci-
sion of which group is chosen can dramatically affect the success of the program.
However, choosing the best group to help an organization implement solid waste mini-
mization can be a challenge. Often the sales pitch given by a consultant sounds good;
however, the strategy and/or training do not match the needs of the organization.
The following is a suggested list of questions to present to the solid waste mini-
mization providers being considered:

■ What is your basic solid waste minimization strategy and flow?
■ What do you suggest doing next if we would like to compare the solid waste mini-
mization program offered by your organization with that offered by other organizations?