It may seem unrealistic to expect that any company can both manufacture a product with Six Sigma efficiency (99.9997%), and then distribute it as quickly as possible with Six Sigma efficiency. It is definitely possible as countless successful companies have proven. In today’s global market, it is not enough to offer a quality product; in fact, that product needs to quickly and efficiently reach the consumer with as little error as possible to achieve maximum customer satisfaction and profit. This is accomplished by implementing the Six Sigma Methodology within your Supply Chain; especially when it comes to Distribution. Implementing the Six Sigma process during the phases of distribution can eliminate waste, decrease lead time, increase supply chain flow, decrease the cost of inventory and decrease variation in shipping.
Assessing performance and analyzing the data to make sure that near perfect supply chain flow has both been achieved AND is being maintained are critical to the overall success of Six Sigma in Distribution. Once a process has been perfected with Six Sigma Methods, there are safeguards as well as checks and balances put into place to ensure that this efficiency continues through the life of the distribution process. Defects mean cost, and the more defects there are within the entire supply chain, the more they affect a company’s overall profits. Six Sigma certification educates employees working together as a successful