Lean Six Sigma with Value Stream Mapping in Industry 4.0 for Human-Centered Workstation Design

Many industries have successfully implemented the define-measure-analyze-improve-control (DMAIC) method of Lean Six Sigma to improve their production activities. Value stream mapping (VSM) for Industry 4.0 allows us to understand the current state of operations in order to plan future improvements. In this study, we propose an improvement model based on DMAIC with VSM 4.0 for a truck cooler manufacturer to improve the picking workstation design with a human-centered approach. We use the DMAIC method to analyze the project step by step. After identifying the root cause, we identified countermeasures to improve the productivity. To reduce human error, the project team adopted a human-centered approach and applied lean tools, such as visual management, error prevention, and waste analysis. As a result of this case study, the yield rate was improved from 98% to 100%, and the direct savings of the project amounted to EUR 3180, mainly due to the freeing up of space. A human-centered LSS framework is also presented as a novel contribution of this study.

Automated summary

This study presents an improvement model based on DMAIC and VSM 4.0, using a human-centered approach to enhance the picking workstation design for a truck cooler manufacturer. By adopting the human-centered approach and lean tools, the study successfully increased the yield rate and achieved cost savings.