Lean six sigma for reduced cycle costs and improved readiness

Abstract

In general, during the lifecycle of a weapon system, a significantly larger amount of money gets spent in operating and maintaining the system than acquiring it. Hence, efficient logistics systems, including transportation, inventory management, modifications and maintenance activities, are critically important for containing the lifecycle costs of weapon systems and for maintaining the highest level of military readiness given the extant fiscal constraints. This paper will describe Lean Six Sigma (LSS), a strategically important and proven logistics initiative for both reduced lifecycle costs and improved readiness. With aging weapon systems, the US Department of Defense is facing ever-increasing military expenses to maintain military readiness. Hence, the Department of Defense is keenly interested in implementing Lean Six Sigma in all the services. In this paper, we present an overview of Lean Six Sigma methodologies, describe Lean Six Sigma implementations with a focus on military applications, and discuss managerial guidelines for successfully implementing Lean Six Sigma. The paper concludes with a brief discussion of the issues that military planners should take into account in implementing Lean Six Sigma in the military.