The earliest jewelry found was dated from around 25,000 years ago and was a simple necklace made of fish bones. Let’s see how Lean and Six Sigma are used in jewelry manufacturing today.

We’ll look at the use of Lean and Six Sigma in jewelry making in Thailand, Indonesia, Portugal, and Peru and finish with a video of how various jewelry items are made.

 

Using Six Sigma DMAIC to Reduce Defects: Thailand

 

In a case study titled “Defect reduction by DMAIC method: A case study of a jewelry manufacturer,” authors Luederat Chartmongkoljaroen, Radha Sirianukul, Piyawan Puttibarncharoensri, and Wasana Marksin discuss the use of DMAIC to reduce resin defects in jewelry manufacturing.

The goal of the case study was to reduce the resin defects that occur during the 3D modeling process that resulted in the necessity of reworking the computer modeling, resin printing and resin cleaning processes.

The case study includes:

  • Resin Printing Records
  • Modeling Time Card and Expenses by Modeler
  • Jewelry Company Process Flow
  • Modeling Department SIPOC
  • Cost of Good and Defective Resin by Year
  • Swim Lane Process Map of Modeling Department
  • Modeling Cycle Time by Process and Responsible Department
  • Details of Eight Causes of Resin Defects
  • Cause and Effect Diagram of Resin Defects
  • Improvement Solutions
  • As-Is and To-Be Work Flows of Modeling

You can access the case study here.

 

Productivity Improvement Using DMAIC: Indonesia

 

In an article titled “Designing Jewelry Manufacturing Industry Productivity Improvement using DMAIC Method” authors Adhini Ayu Lukitaputri, Muhammad Dachyar, and Yadrifil Yadrifi discuss the use of DMAIC methodology to improve the productivity in a jewelry manufacturer.

The article includes:

  • Business Flow SIPOC
  • Productivity Input Factors and Identified Problems
  • Contributors to Low Productivity Ratio
  • Alternatives for Improvement by Various Decision Methods
  • Improvements Recommended

You can read the article here.

 

Lean Thinking and Manufacturing Execution Software Applied to Jewelry Manufacturing: Portugal

 

In a paper titled “Analysis and Improvement of Processes in the Jewelry Industry,” authors Hugo Tiago Rocha, Luís Pinto Ferreira, and F. J. G. Silva discuss the use of Lean tools and manufacturing execution software to minimize waste and ensure continuous improvement.

The paper includes:

  • Flowchart of the Current Develop Process for New Orders
  • Identification of Problems/Solutions for Processes Analyzed
  • Proposal for the Adoption of Lean Manufacturing Tools
    • Pull System
    • Kanban System and Visual Management
    • 5S
  • Proposal for Implementation of Manufacturing Execution Software
  • Results Analysis

To read the paper, view the link here and click on View PDF at the top of the page.

 

Using Lean Manufacturing and Lean Green in Jewelry Manufacturing: Peru

 

In a  study titled “Comprehensive Management model for increasing the competitiveness of small and medium artisan jewelry enterprises in Peru,” K. Mejia-Pajuelo and others discuss the use of Lean manufacturing and Lean green to increase operating performance and annual returns.

The study includes:

  • Comprehensive Management Model: Lean Manufacturing, Lean Green, and Culture
  • Sales Unit Flowchart
  • Design Unit Flowchart
  • Proposed Layout
  • Comprehensive Management Areas Discussion
  • Results of Implementation

You can access the study here.

[Citation: K Mejia-Pajuelo et al 2020 IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. 796 012020]

 

Video of Jewelry Making

 

See how the following products are made in a video from Wondastic Tech

  • Necklace Chains
  • Luxury Bracelets
  • Wedding Bands
  • Diamond Engagement Rings

You can view the video here.

 

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