The maintenance of products such as aircraft engines is part of a complex supply chain. Distribution centers fulfill orders for spare parts to customers around the world and typically run on a 24/7 basis. Each day, as many as 4,000 different SKUs are shipped out and more than 1,000 SKUs are received in inventory. It is critical that each order be 100% accurate. For example, orders that don’t match the shipping list are returned to the distribution center because of customs regulations.
a. If the distribution center has identified inaccurate shipments as a significant problem, explain how the DMAIC process might be applied.
b. Develop a logical cause-and-effect diagram for the problem “inaccurate shipment.”
c. Think about how a process for fulfilling orders might work and create a process map.