Alexandria Engineering Journal (Nov 2022)
New Lean Six Sigma readiness assessment model using fuzzy logic: Case study within clothing industry
Abstract
The implementation of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in the textile and clothing industries is a successful strategy to reduce the defects produced along the production line in these industries. Lean Six Sigma readiness knowledge is a pre-requisite for a successful LSS implementation. Yet, the literature on Lean Six Sigma implementation and the readiness evaluation model in small and medium-sized textile and clothing are very limited. The purpose of this study is to develop a model of LSS readiness assessment for the clothing industries (LSRACI) using fuzzy logic. The present model is based largely on both the critical success factors (CSFs) of LSS and the LSS factors (enablers, criteria, and attributes) derived from the literature. The CSFs are identified using a questionnaire distributed to 85 small-medium clothing industries, and integration with the evaluation model. The outcome of this process is the identification of 5 enablers, 6 criteria, and 46 attributes which are finally ready to be used. The use of CSFs from the clothing industries gives a specification to our evaluation model and makes the LSRACI model original and specified to clothing SMEs. This model is developed for assessing the readiness level of the clothing and textile industries and it helps as well as to improve the readiness level for successful implementation of LSS. The present study aims to contribute to the knowledge of readiness for the LSS implementation in clothing industries. The readiness level of this company is average ready with (3.28; 4.9; 6.7). Using a fuzzy performance importance index (FPII), 20 from 46 attributes were identified as weaker attributes and therefore necessary corrective actions were recommended to improve the readiness level. The proposed model helps managers and practitioners to find out the potential of the clothing and textile industries by evaluating the company readiness before implementation in order to overcome problems and achieve a successful LSS implementation.
