Six Sigma Methodology and an Application in the Textile Sector

Abstract

In today's world of increasing international trade, companies are suggested to learn, implement and maintain new production techniques in place of traditional production systems in order to sustain their assets. In this approach, we have worked on “Six Sigma”, one of the strongest components of these so-called systems. Within the scope of this study, Six Sigma and its application areas are investigated, and as a result of the obtained findings, six sigma applications have been made in the textile industry where the quality is desired to be improved. In the study, conducted by following the six sigma's DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control) steps, using the detection tools such as SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers) diagrams, measurement systems analysis, root cause analysis, determination of poor quality sources and improvement on the basic problem have been made. The variation of the strips from the card and cer machines in the plant created great quality problems. Before the six sigma project, the average coefficient of variation value of the card machines was 2.02. With this project, the average coefficient of variation value of the card machines is aimed to be reduced to 0.5-1.5 range. After the six sigma project, the average voefficient of variation value of the card machines was reduced to 1.03.