Improving the Efficiency of the Packaging Processes at Birzeit Pharmaceutical Company using Lean-Six Sigma Methodology رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

Many factors, including globalization and the significant technological development that have led to global competition in all areas, companies are beginning to look forwhat makes them ahead and distinguished in the field, reduce operational and non- operational costs, and increase customer demand for quality products and services. One of tools to achieve these goals is Lean Six Sigma (LSS) which is a systematic methodology that aims at improving performance and enhancing efficiency through eliminating different types of wastes and reducing variability. LSS employs the five- phase problem solving DMIAC (Define, Measure Analyze, Improve and Control) approach for existing processes. This study aims at implementing the DMAIC-LSS methodology on packaging processes in Birzeit pharmaceutical company (BPC) working in West Bank in Palestine. BPC works at a high level of quality standards andis considered a pioneer in its field. Through several visits and observations, it has been noticed that the production volume is large with high quality standard; all the production steps are automated, except the packaging processes which are mostly performed manually which represents a good opportunity for improvement. It was also noted that there is no designated location for the manual packaging processes which causes chaos and misuse of resources. Moreover, several types of waste are visible inthe packing area such as motion, transportation and waiting, which result in misuse of resources and extra cost to BPC. The DMAIC methodology has been applied to the packaging processes at BPC phase by phase. .