27. Using Six Sigma Methodology to Improve the Resistance Spot Welding Process in an Automotive Company

The Six Sigma approach started as a new metric for statistical measurements and comparisons but with time it has been acknowledged as a complex methodology that uses quality tools at an organizational level and transforms the corporate culture. It has been applied with success in the automotive industry for continuous improvement and best in class strategic thinking. Nevertheless, there are few real case studies presented in literature due to corporate internal communication strategies. Thus, without step by step clear examples managers are not able to see the application of theory in practice and the Six Sigma approach may seem too complex to be applied with success in small or inexperienced organizations. The present paper aims to present a case study from an automotive company situated in the Western part of Romania, namely, the way in which the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze- Improve-Control) method provided researchers and specialists with thorough methodological steps and adequate tools for improving the Resistance Spot Welding Process. The results are outlined and human interaction at team level is discussed.