Process Optimization by Implementing Lean Six Sigma in an Optical Manufacturing Laboratory

Abstract

The Design Project intends to be implemented in an Optical Manufacturing Laboratory. This laboratory is located at Mayagüez with the purpose of distributing ophthalmic lenses to different optical centers around the island as well as different ophthalmologists in the west area. After some weeks of research investigation it has been noticed that the laboratory is resulting in scraps, work tools are not accessible, inventory is not well organized, and orders are not being delivered within the time period. In this project Lean Manufacturing tools as well as DMAIC and/or Six Sigma tools will be implemented along with some recommendations to help the laboratory improve its processes. Some of the Lean / Six Sigma tools used will be the Cause and Effect Diagram, Work Standardization, Pareto Chart, and the 5S Methodology. At the end of this project it is expected to be reduced by 0.7% (from 1.7%) the scraps manufactured, improve quality and overall efficiency. Key Terms - laboratory, lean manufacturing, optical manufacturing, six sigma.