The iTLS™ model - Integration of Theory of Constraints, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma: A case study to best practice of operations at a Value Chain of Multinational in Brazil

摘要

Recently the three most applied approaches into the Operations Continuous Improvement are Theory of Constraints (TOC), Lean Manufacturing, and Six Sigma. However, the high requirements from customers and operations to obtain products with greater productivity, higher quality and lower prices, provide some limitations to these approaches when applied individually and it seems they cannot solve problems in a long-term horizon. In 2006, Russ Pirasteh developed a model that integrates and harmonizes concepts, techniques, tools and methodologies of TOC, Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma called iTLS™. The goal of this paper is to study the model from a literature review that analyzes the approaches as well as the related points and develop a real case study. In this sense, this study examined the use of iTLS™ through a method that identified the constraints, then eliminated wastes of the constraint, and as a final point, reduced the process variability. This was made through an application of Russ Pirasteh's model in seven steps to a problem of Value Chain management of a Home Appliances Multinational Subsidiary located in Brazil. Corresponding to preliminary results, it was observed the model strength and its applicability to the problem studied. Finally, the study discusses the findings implications and presents some directions for future research.