Lean Six Sigma in Slovenian and Serbian manufacturing companies

Abstract

This paper deals with the Lean Six Sigma methodology used in Slovenian and Serbian manufacturing companies.The first part of the paper presents the Six Sigma, lean, supply chain and manufacturing environments.This is followed by a presentation of the results of the comparison study performed in Slovenian manufacturing companies in 2008 and Serbia in 2010.Experiences and trends from the Slovenia study in 2012 are also presented.The research presents the use of Lean Six Sigma in Slovenian and Serbian manufacturing companies, barriers and the key success factors of its implementation in the periods 2008-2010-2012.The results show many similarities.The main challenges in Slovenian and Serbian manufacturing companies are increased competition and customer product individualisation and focus on product quality.Managers in Serbia are often satisfied with the existing quality system and the results show that management in Serbia do not find Six Sigma a customer requirement.The third most common reason for not using Lean Six Sigma was a lack of human resources in the company to support its implementation.