A Sustainable Innovation Framework Based on Lean Six Sigma and Industry 5.0

Industry 5.0 envisions a human-centered approach to design and value creation. In addition, the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) methodology has proved successful in enhancing production activities and quality. By integrating LSS into a human-oriented discipline, we can achieve a harmonious blend of more humane processes and a conducive result-driven environment. The Lean concept adopts a people-centric approach, prioritizing the well-being of employees and customers, while emphasizing sustainable development. Concurrently, the Six Sigma philosophy and Industry 5.0 highlight innovation to minimize process variation and attain iterative process improvement. To attain process excellence, we propose a novel sustainable innovation framework (SIF) utilizing inductive and integrative approaches based on LSS methodology and Industry 5.0 technologies. We have developed three Lean 5.0 tools, the RIDEM (Requirements, Initiation, Design, Execution, and Monitoring) approach and LSS 5.0 implementation steps. We have conducted a case study to demonstrate the practical application and outcomes of LSS 5.0 tools. Implementing these tools resulted in a remarkable reduction of over 80% in defective parts per million (DPPM), leading to direct savings of NT$104,000 for the case company. This research contributes significantly through the proposed framework, making the practical concepts more readily implementable within work organizations.