Presentation Title: Is AI and Data Science the Future of Lean Six Sigma?

Learning Objectives: -A Lean Six Sigma (LSS) project can be expedited by utilizing AI -As Big Data and Analytics is increasingly leveraged in LSS projects, the role of the LSS Green Belt and Black Belt will merge with that of a Data Scientist -Natural Language Processing allows previously underutilized unstructured data to provide deeper insights for LSS practitioners

Presentation Description: Artificial intelligence (AI) is “a system’s ability to correctly interpret external data, to learn from such data, and to use those learnings to achieve specific goals and tasks; such as “problem-solving” and “learning” through flexible adaptation. Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is a methodology used to solve complicated problems with data analytics that seek to correlate a problem and its many possible causes. AI can accelerate a LSS project in a number of profound and novel ways. For sure, AI can help a Green Belt or Black Belt to unravel and interpret the complex relationships between the independent and dependent variables within a process. Further, the use of Natural Language Process (NLP) provides deeper insights into the Voice of Customer and Voice of Business assessments allowing LSS practitioners and their businesses to gain even greater insights from what was traditionally underutilized unstructured data. In the very near future, the role of the LSS Green Belt and Black Belt will merge with that of the Data Scientist, the result of which will be healthier businesses with happier customers. The purpose of this paper is to discuss how AI, Big Data, and Analytics are transforming LSS projects and manufacturing as a whole.

Biography - Speaker One: Michael V. Testani is the Director of Industrial Outreach at the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering and Applied Science at Binghamton University in Binghamton, New York. Testani holds a M.S. degree in Systems Science and Industrial Engineering and a B.S. in Ceramic Engineering with a Physics minor. Before joining Binghamton University, Testani worked at IBM where he spent 15 years as a business transformation and learning consultant. While there, he developed a strategic learning plan for employee development, served as a global program manager for Lean Six Sigma learning programs and worked as an instructor for a variety of training programs. He is a member of the Institute for Industrial Systems Engineers (IISE) and previously served on the Lean Division Board of Directors in 2013 and as the vice president of technical operations for Lean from 2014-2017.

Biography - Speaker Two: Dr. Ben Amaba holds a PhD. degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering, a M.B.A./M.S. degree in Engineering and Operations, and a B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering. Dr. Amaba is a registered and licensed Professional Engineer in several states with International Registry; certified in Production, Operations, and Inventory Management by APICS ®; LEED® Accredited Professional (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design); and certified in Corporate Strategy by Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Massachusetts. He is responsible for industrial manufacturing, infrastructure, engineering, and supply chain solutions. Dr. Amaba is the Chief Technology Officer for the Industrial Sector Globally for Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences. Dr. Amaba’s focus and interest is in artificial intelligence, data sciences, robotic process automation (RPA), software engineering, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and cloud technology.

Audience Level: All 

Presentation and or Paper Submission is: LSS Applications and Training 

Sub-tracks: Manufacturing