Recently, the director of the Milwaukee Department of Administration called upon small businesses to implement Lean Six Sigma to achieve cost savings and increase efficiency. In an op-ed published by the BizTimes, director Sharon Robinson stated that the city, itself, is in the process of implementing Lean Six Sigma initiatives so that, like other companies, it can improve its value to its customers with fewer resources and less cost involved.
Robinson cited the Lean Six Sigma success of Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin. Headquartered in Milwaukee, the organization implemented Lean Six Sigma in its Meals on Wheels program’s acceptance practice, resulting in the elimination of 60 percent of the steps involved. The time savings that came because of the elimination of these steps is the equivalent of nine workweeks that can be focused on supporting the organization’s other programs, Robinson stated.
Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin is the largest of more than 165 Goodwill organizations in the world. With 90 locations in 23 counties southeastern Wisconsin and metropolitan Chicago, the organization focuses on providing training for disadvantaged and disabled individuals, supporting those who are chronically unemployed or dislocated workers, services for senior citizens including Meals on Wheels, and more.
The city of Milwaukee has been working to protect the interests of small businesses, and ensuring that they receive the tools they need to grow is a priority of the mayor, according to Robinson. In addition to offering low-interest loans, workforce resources and other assistance, the city wants businesses to know about opportunities to help themselves through Lean Six Sigma training.
If you’re interested in how Lean Six Sigma training can help your business to thrive, contact us.
