Developing a Six Sigma maintenance model

Purpose - Both total productive maintenance (TPM) and Six Sigma are key business process strategies, which are employed by companies to enhance their manufacturing performance. The purpose of this paper, therefore, will be to develop and implement an integrated Six Sigma maintenance (SSM) model for manufacturing industry Design/methodology/approach - Through the development of a case study approach, the paper chronicles the design, development and implementation of an integrated Six Sigma maintenance (SSM) model. The model is subsequently evaluated for its effectiveness in the subject company. Findings - A model is proposed and the effectiveness of the approach is subsequently evaluated highlighting the benefits the host organization received through this new approach by measuring the effects of implementation against the seven quality, cost and delivery (QCD) measures. Practical implications - The design, development and implementation of a Six Sigma maintenance model shown in this paper provides a simple yet highly effective approach to achieving significant improvements in a company's product quality cost and delivery measures. The model combines contemporary business management techniques with total productive maintenance strategies and offers practicing maintenance managers and engineers a strategic framework for increasing productive efficiency and output. Originality/value - The proposed SSM model contributes to the existing knowledge base on maintenance systems and subsequently disseminates this information in order to provide impetus, guidance and support towards increasing the development companies in an attempt to move the UK manufacturing sector towards world class manufacturing performance.