An affinity diagram is a powerful tool that facilitates the grouping of ideas or data based on the natural way of human thinking, organizing concepts into categories instead of individual elements. This method allows for more efficient and intuitive analysis and understanding of complex information.
MoreAssertiveness is a crucial communication skill, allowing individuals to express their opinions, views, wishes, or thoughts in a balanced manner without being aggressive.
MoreAsset management is the process of managing and controlling an organisation's assets. The objective of asset management is to maximize the value and performance of these assets, as well as to minimize risks and ensure their efficient use.
MoreContinuous and systematic process of comparing products, processes, and methods with competitors, latest trends, and overall industry trends to identify opportunities for improvement and strive for excellence.
MoreA Black Belt is an individual with advanced expertise and experience in Six Sigma, a highly data-driven approach to process improvement based on statistical process control methods.
MoreBrainstorming is a collaborative technique used by teams to generate numerous ideas for a chosen topic. Its objective is to unleash the creative energy of participants and explore a wide range of potential solutions to the problem.
MoreThe capability index is a statistical measure to evaluate how well a process or system meets specifications. It compares process data variability with specification limits. A high capability index indicates consistent output meeting specifications, while a low index suggests inability to meet requirements.
MoreClimate neutrality is a state of zero net greenhouse gas emissions, achieved by reducing, removing and offsetting emissions to stop global warming and protect ecosystems.
MoreIn a broad context, compliance pertains to conforming to regulations, rules, norms, and standards that are pertinent to a particular sphere of activity. It involves the obligation for an organization or individual to operate in alignment with applicable legal, ethical, and regulatory demands.
MoreThis situation arises when personal interests, such as family, friendship, financial, or social factors, may impact the judgment or decision-making of individuals while performing their work duties. As a result, employees may prioritize their personal interests over the best interests of the company in their job performance.
MoreConsent should be provided through a clear expression of will, which is a free, specific, informed, and unequivocal statement by the data subject to the processing of personal data concerning them. This could include checking a box when visiting a website, selecting technical settings of information society services, or any other statement or conduct that clearly indicates, in this context, the data subject's agreement to the proposed processing of their personal data.
MoreA control plan is a management tool utilized to oversee activities that enhance processes or products, ultimately aiming to boost customer satisfaction.
MoreA Control Plan is a document that details the key processes, parameters, and control measures needed to ensure product quality and consistency during the manufacturing process, and serves as a tool for monitoring and managing these aspects to minimize variability and prevent problems.
MoreControlling involves monitoring and evaluating actual performance against planned objectives and taking corrective actions as needed. This may include operational adjustments, process changes, or resource reallocation to enhance overall performance.
MoreCorrelation is used to determine the statistical dependence of the dependent variable (the one we need to find out) on the independent variable (the one we know or can adjust).
MoreCQI (Continuous Quality Improvement) in metal heat treatment is an AIAG standard focused on improving the quality of processes such as hardening and carburizing, primarily in the automotive industry. The CQI-9 standard sets requirements for controlling, monitoring, and ensuring quality during heat treatment processes.
MoreCryptography involves converting legible text or data into an indecipherable form through mathematical algorithms and keys. The aim of cryptography is to safeguard data to prevent unauthorized access, reading, or alteration while it's being transmitted or stored.
MoreDecarbonization is the process of reducing CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions by changing energy production and consumption in order to achieve a low-carbon economy and reduce negative climate impacts.
MoreThe Deming Cycle, also known as PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act), is a quality management methodology that helps organizations continuously improve processes by systematically planning changes, implementing them, checking the results, and implementing next steps based on those findings.
MoreDMAIC is a cyclical, data-oriented project management sequence used to improve, stabilize, and optimize processes. It's a vital tool in Six Sigma projects and adaptable for other continuous improvement techniques.
MoreThe European Climate Change Act is a European Union legislative act that legally enshrines the EU's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, setting binding targets and mechanisms for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate change and building resilience to its impacts.
MoreThe European Green Deal is the EU's policy strategy to achieve climate neutrality and sustainable development by 2050 by protecting the environment and promoting a green economy.
MoreFit for 55 is the European Union's ambitious package of legislative measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, a key part of the European Green Deal and a step towards achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050, a proposal unveiled by the European Commission in July 2021.
MoreFailure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) is an analytical method used during product or manufacturing process design to identify and resolve potential failures, faults, and critical errors. It examines the causes and consequences of failure modes, their impact on the manufacturing plant, customers, and end-users.
MoreA Green Belt is an individual with moderately advanced knowledge and experience in Six Sigma's statistical process control methods.
MoreHACCP stands for "Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points." It is a preventive system used in the food industry to ensure food safety during all production activities, including processing, storage, transportation, handling, and sale. These measures are in accordance with hygiene regulations and proper manufacturing practices.
MoreAn integrated management system combines different management systems, such as quality, environment and safety, into one unified framework, enabling more effective management and improvement of the organization's performance.
MoreInternal audit functions as an advisory and impartial assurance activity within the organization. Its primary goal is to augment the organization's value and optimize its processes. By employing a systematic and methodical approach, audits play a crucial role in attaining the organization's objectives. They effectively assess and enhance risk management, control, and governance processes, contributing to overall improvement.
MoreAn internal auditor is authorized to conduct audits within organizations, specifically assessing the internal control system. They provide valuable information, evaluations, analyses, and recommendations to enhance task fulfillment for the company's authorities.
MoreThe Ishikawa diagram depicts the causal relationship between a problem and its root causes. By identifying and addressing these causes, the problem can be permanently resolved.
MoreAn information security management system is a set of processes, procedures and techniques that an organization uses to manage information, protect it and ensure the security of the information system. This system is based on ISO/IEC 27001, which provides a framework for the implementation and operation of an ISMS.
MoreISO, short for the International Organization for Standardization, is an international organization headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded on February 23, 1947, it operates in 164 countries and issues internationally recognized standards under the ISO designation. With over 20,000 ISO standards issued, it holds the distinction of being the world's largest developer of voluntary, internationally recognized standards.
MoreISO 18788 is an international standard for managing private security operations, issued in 2015. It provides a framework for ensuring lawful and ethical security services, with a strong emphasis on respecting human rights. The standard is intended for security companies and organizations operating in high-risk areas. Its implementation improves risk management, service efficiency, and credibility.
MoreJust in sequence is a method of delivering components to the assembly line in exactly the right order and time to increase production efficiency.
MoreKirchhoff's laws are two fundamental principles that describe the behavior of current and voltage in electrical circuits: the first law states that the sum of currents at a node is zero, and the second law states that the sum of voltages in a closed loop is also zero. These laws enable the analysis of complex circuits based on the conservation of charge and energy.
MoreIn administrative processes, similar to production processes, wasteful activities can be identified. When elements of lean manufacturing are introduced into administrative processes, it is referred to as Lean Office or Lean Office.
MoreLean production, often referred to as lean manufacturing, involves a collection of tools designed to eliminate activities that lack customer value and result in losses for the company.
MoreLean Six Sigma combines techniques and tools from lean management and statistical methods to reduce process waste effectively.
MorePersonal data can be processed for different purposes, based on legal grounds, consent, or legitimate interest. Legitimate interests can serve as a legal basis, as long as they don't outweigh the rights and freedoms of the data subjects, considering their reasonable expectations.
MoreLPA (Layered Process Audit) is a systematic approach to auditing manufacturing processes at various levels within an organization. It ensures process compliance, improves quality, engages both management and employees, and enables timely identification of issues. Frequent and short audits focus on process standardization and improvement, particularly in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
MoreMachine capability encompasses the array of functions and performance traits that a machine or device can deliver. It involves the machine's aptitude for accomplishing precise, efficient, and consistent execution of specific tasks or processes.
MoreMachine capability indices are statistical indicators that assess a machine's ability to produce products in accordance with specifications and quality standards, allowing variability in the production process to be identified and minimized.
MoreMeasurement variability refers to the differences in results that can occur when the same phenomenon is measured repeatedly and can be caused by various factors such as changes in the environment, instrument precision or human factors; it is therefore important to analyse and account for this variability correctly when evaluating the data in order to make conclusions as accurate as possible.
MoreMetrology is the science of measurement, focused on ensuring accuracy, reliability, and consistency across various fields. It supports the quality of products and processes, as well as compliance with legal standards, through methods like calibration of measuring devices and management of measurement uncertainties.
MoreOperational hygiene includes a set of measures such as regular cleaning and disinfection of work areas, proper storage of raw materials, temperature and humidity control, and the use of protective equipment to minimize the risk of food contamination and the spread of disease, which is key to ensuring the safety and quality of products in the food industry.
MoreThe Six Sigma philosophy aims to manage processes to minimize errors and reduce process variability, often employing statistical methods. In contrast, Lean management focuses on waste reduction. Both methods share a disciplined, fact-based problem-solving approach involving all employees in Lean or Six Sigma activities. Implementing both programs simultaneously is common to maximize their effectiveness.
MoreOutsourcing constitutes a business tactic wherein specific processes, activities, or services are entrusted to external firms or third-party suppliers. Through outsourcing, an organization hands over the duty of executing distinct tasks to specialized external entities equipped with the necessary knowledge, resources, and expertise.
MoreThe PDCA cycle is an iterative management method with four steps: Plan-Do-Check-Act. It manages processes for business, manufacturing, and continuous improvement.
MoreAs per Article 4(1) of the GDPR, personal data includes information about an identified or identifiable natural person (referred to as the "data subject"). An identifiable person is someone who can be directly or indirectly identified through a name, identification number, location data, online identifier, or specific factors related to their physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity.
MorePlanned maintenance, a concept of Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), aims to reduce losses from unexpected breakdowns by implementing preventive and predictive maintenance procedures.
MorePoka-yoke (ポカヨケ), meaning "error-proofing," is a system developed in the 1960s as part of the Toyota Production System to eliminate the possibility of human errors in production. It was conceived by Shigeo Shingo, a Japanese engineer known as the father of the Toyota Production System. The main goal of poka-yoke is to design processes or products in a manner that enables operators to perform each step flawlessly, without any errors.
MorePPAP is an abbreviation for the Production Part Approval Process, which refers to the process of approving parts for mass production. It is a systematic method that enables the approval of parts or components for production by establishing well-defined processes. While originally intended for the automotive industry, PPAP is now employed in diverse sectors. The AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group) developed this process, along with the APQP (Advanced Product Quality Planning) framework, where PPAP plays a significant role.
MoreProblem-solving is the act of finding or seeking solutions to any problem. It falls within the cognitive domain and is an integral part of decision-making. The ability to solve problems is vital for every individual and holds particular significance for managers or leaders. This skill is instrumental in achieving success, whether for individuals or teams.
MorePSB stands for Product Safety Responsible, which means being accountable for product safety. It involves ensuring that the product is designed, manufactured, and marketed in compliance with laws and regulations. PSB assesses risks, conducts testing and certification, provides safety information to customers, and oversees product safety throughout its lifecycle. In some cases, PSB is responsible for reporting injuries and recalls of unsafe products. Its role is critical in ensuring public safety and consumer confidence.
MoreUnderstanding the customer's perspective is crucial to grasping their expectations from the product. Often, their requirements are expressed vaguely, like "we want timely delivery of goods." QFD can transform these vague requirements into measurable characteristics, such as "order processing time" or "production planning time." Additionally, it can determine the relationship between product attributes (strong positive or negative correlation), assess the significance of metrics, and compare product features with competitors.
MoreA tag is an English term for a label or sticker. In the context of 5S, the Red Tag is employed to identify items whose necessity is uncertain. Moreover, within TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), the Red Tag is utilized to mark deficiencies on machine equipment that the operator cannot address independently.
MoreRisk Assessment is an important tool for organisations and individuals to identify and minimise the risks associated with their activities. It helps them to better understand potential threats and make informed decisions about how to deal with risks.
MoreSCOPE 3 emissions include all other indirect GHG emissions that occur in an organization's value chain, including emissions from activities such as employee travel, transportation and distribution of goods, purchased products and services, and waste disposal, which is the largest and most difficult category of emissions to measure.
MoreSDLC, an acronym for Secure Development Life Cycle, represents a methodology or framework utilized in software development to bolster security and fortify defenses against risks linked to cyber threats. SDLC centers on integrating security practices and control mechanisms right from the commencement of the development journey through to the deployment and upkeep of the software product.
MoreSafety Data Sheets (SDS) offer essential information to safeguard human health and the environment when handling chemicals. If a hazardous substance is registered at 10 tonnes or more per year per registrant, an extended safety data sheet with accompanying exposure scenarios must be provided.
MoreSeiketsu, a Japanese term frequently associated with the 5S methodology, pertains to a system designed for organizing and upholding a clean and efficient workplace. As the fourth step in the 5S process, Seiketsu emphasizes standardization and the continuous maintenance of improvements achieved in earlier stages. This involves creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for each task, introducing visual controls and labeling systems to promptly detect any misplaced items, and providing employees with training on the newly established procedures.
MoreShitsuke, the last step in the 5S methodology, focuses on sustaining a clean and efficient workplace. It is a Japanese term commonly translated as "sustain" or "discipline," highlighting the importance of continuous effort and commitment to maintaining the improvements achieved in the preceding 4S steps.
MoreThe purpose of SIPOC Analysis is to chart the connections among the scrutinized process, its inputs, and outputs, while also gauging the influence of both the customer and the supplier on the process. SIPOC frequently integrates into Green Belt and Black Belt projects, aiding in the development of a holistic comprehension of the reciprocal effects among the elements under scrutiny.
MoreStandard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are detailed and structured instructions that describe the steps required to perform repetitive tasks and are used to ensure consistency, quality and safety in work processes.
MoreThe SWOT analysis serves as a crucial instrument employed by companies for crafting business strategies, evaluating both the organization's present state and its external surroundings.
MoreIn the world of Lean Six Sigma, there are 8 types of loss/waste. You can remember them using the acronym TIMWOODS.
MoreTOC, or Theory of Constraints, offers a universal analytical method for managing and improving business operations. Its core objective is identifying and leveraging system bottlenecks to maximize outcomes, focusing on the weakest link for optimal benefits. Without constraints, a system would achieve goals limitlessly.
MoreIt is a state in which the information published is, to the maximum extent possible, comprehensible, verifiable and regularly published. It means that financial and business activities are conducted in an open manner.
MoreVDA is the German acronym for the German Automotive Industry Association, which brings together more than 620 German companies in the automotive sector. Among the car manufacturers represented by the VDA are BMW, Volkswagen AG, AUDI and Mercedes Benz. For its members and suppliers in the chain, the VDA publishes manuals and standards grouping the demanding requirements required in the automotive industry.
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