Efficiency realization and capacity increase: implementing lean six sigma in a growing startup

ABSTRACT Lean is an ideology that businesses turn to create value for customers. Research literature shows a lack of successful implementation, specifically in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This applied research analyses a local Montana startup and uses concepts from lean six sigma and industry 4.0 (I4) to reduce waste and prepare the company for future growth. The applied research uses a lean six sigma methodology to make suggestions for future improvements to scale and implementing changes. As the fourth revolution is upon us, inter-connectivity and digitization provide new tools that are expected to change the course of manufacturing radically in the near future. With it, I4 brings some tools that can potentially help SMEs overcome some of the current barriers to successfully implement lean. This research investigates what tools the fourth industrial revolution has brought us that can potentially provide lean the flexibility needed to be implemented in our study.