Implementation of DMAIC methodology in supply chains to reduce customer end‐rejections: a case study in an Indian SME

In recent times, the integration of managerial models is envisaged in manufacturing of products and offering of services to face intense global competition. In this scenario, the establishment of supply chain management (SCM) becomes vital, as the manufacturing of sub‐components are scattered geographically. Few of the researchers and practitioners have slowly started to integrate the Six Sigma concepts with SCM to achieve high quality of products and offering of services in the supply chain. In order to project the importance of integration of Six Sigma with SCM, the literature arena is reviewed in this direction. Following the literature review, a managerial model named 'Six Sigma SCM' and a roadmap to implement the same is contributed in this research paper. In order to validate the prowess of 'Six Sigma SCM' managerial model, a case study has been carried out in a supply chain involving an Indian small/medium enterprise. The customer end rejections have been improved from a sigma level of 3.75 to 5 through the implementation of this 'Six Sigma SCM' managerial model in the reported case study.