D3S Model for Sustainable Process Excellence

Abstract

In business excellence models and lean methodologies, applying the right model for the right problem differentiates success vs. suitability of deployment. In this paper, we propose a novel modeling approach, D3S (Diagnose, Design, Deliver and Sustain), that incorporates the voice of the internal and external stakeholders assists in sustaining excellence for processes with varying complexity. The D3S method is adapted from Action Research (AR) to suit the implementation of manufacturing process excellence. In the model, we introduce a new process mapping modeling technique - IPOPM (Input, Process, Outcome, Process Map), that combines the traditional Supplier, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customer (SIPOC) method with a Value Stream Map (VSM) for manufacturing process automation. We describe a practical implementation of the proposed approach to streamline high-volume and high variety operation case. One of the key advantages of the D3S model is its robustness to rationalize a process and enable a holistic end-to-end process to view of opportunities for improvements beyond geographic boundaries.