Continuous Improvement
Medtronic strives for reliability and quality in all of our products. Medtronic recognizes that this cannot be done without the support of a strong supply base. To that end, Medtronic strives to achieve a world class supply chain utilizing Lean Sigma methodologies. Lean Sigma combines Six Sigma with Lean Manufacturing methodologies. Lean Sigma helps to address the waste and variability in processes and supply chain systems.
Medtronic is dedicated to aligning its continuous improvement strategies with its supply base, namely through two programs: Supplier Development and Supplier Lean Sigma Training.
Supplier Development
The Supplier Development program uses dedicated resources focused on driving continuous improvement in the performance of our supply chain. In other words, Medtronic allocates trained Supplier Development Engineers to help strategic suppliers drive process improvements throughout the value stream that they share with Medtronic.
Both Medtronic and our suppliers can benefit from Supplier Development. Here are some key outcomes of this process:
- Improved quality
- Improved customer responsiveness (on-time delivery; lead time reduction)
- Cost reductions (inventory, overtime, labor and burden)
- Growth without capital expenditure
To achieve these benefits, Medtronic facilitates specific projects, and coaches suppliers to help develop and implement process improvements into the future.
Supplier Lean Sigma Training
Medtronic also offers Lean Sigma training for select suppliers. Through this program, participants learn the methodology in a formal classroom setting and will be able to apply the knowledge to a project in their organization.
Lean and Six Sigma projects follow the Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) roadmap, unifying Lean and Six Sigma toolsets to drive out waste and reduce process variation.
Lean Sigma training is another way by which Medtronic helps strategic suppliers drive process improvements throughout the value stream that they share with us.
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Additional information
Supplier Diversity
Please explore our current Supplier Diversity page for information regarding our efforts to have a diverse supply base
Green Supply Chain
Medtronic Becomes an Applicant Member of the Electronic Industry Citizen Coalition (EICC).
