Situation: Due to the downturn in market conditions, Crescent had to close two leased warehouses and move part of their operations into a customer’s facility. Crescent saw this changing business climate as an opportunity to identify opportunities and improve operations.
Project: Crescent worked with TechSolve to integrate Lean into their already successful Six Sigma approach to continuous improvement, and to create the new “Crescent Lean Sigma” (CLS) system. This new system, added into their existing one, specifically created a strategic context for Lean Sigma at their company.
During two off-site sessions, Crescent representatives discussed current business conditions with their TechSolve consultants. TechSolve oriented Crescent on Lean Sigma and then guided them through a simulation. Then, Crescent and TechSolve discussed how to apply newly-learned principals to current projects. They also developed the CLS system and deployment action plan. Teams were formed and three major projects were prioritized to address the issues.
Results:
- Successfully kicked off Crescent Lean Sigma, which continues to be used to improve processes across three projects.
- Came in $9,200 under budget for all three project combined.
- Learned to operate more efficiently and remain profitable during the economic downturn
- Saved over $712,500 in costs.
- Minimized the risk of losing customer business during transition.
- Was awarded the 2011 Goering Center Family & Private Business Award for companies 0-24 years in business, thanks in large part to their successful Lean Sigma initiative.