Purpose

This research aims to enhance the operational excellence and continuous improvement of the retail supply chain in the Saudi Thobe Factory through an integrated approach of Six Sigma DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) with artificial intelligence (AI).

Design/methodology/approach

The study identified the tailoring department as the department with maximum defects by using voice of customer and critical to quality tools. An AI-integrated Six Sigma approach was applied to identify and eliminate nonproductive stages, and a new facility layout was designed to enhance productivity and customer satisfaction.

Findings

The use of the factor rating method and simulation using Arena software led to an improved sigma level from 1.597 to 2.237, representing an increment of about 40%. Additionally, the defects per million opportunities reduced from 461,538 to 230,769. The study can help production industry management to optimize facility layouts and improve overall production line efficiency.

Practical implications

This study addresses the lack of published research on the use of an integrated approach of Six Sigma DMAIC with AI in the retail and distribution sector of Saudi Arabia, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The study demonstrates how this approach may significantly boost SMEs’ performance and provides a basis for future research in this area.

Originality/value

This study provides a practical example of how an integrated approach of Six Sigma DMAIC with AI can be used in the retail and distribution sector of Saudi Arabia to enhance operational excellence and continuous improvement. The study highlights the potential benefits of this approach for SMEs in the region and provides a framework for future research.

中文翻译：

---

使用 6-sigma 改进 Saudi thobe 零售分销的质量

目的

本研究旨在通过六西格玛 DMAIC（定义-测量-分析-改进-控制）与人工智能 (AI) 的集成方法，提高沙特托比工厂零售供应链的卓越运营和持续改进。

设计/方法/途径

该研究通过使用客户意见和关键质量工具将裁缝部门确定为缺陷最多的部门。应用人工智能集成的六西格码方法来识别和消除非生产阶段，并设计了新的设施布局以提高生产力和客户满意度。

发现

使用因子评级方法和使用 Arena 软件进行模拟导致西格玛水平从 1.597 提高到 2.237，增加了约 40%。此外，每百万机会的缺陷从 461,538 减少到 230,769。该研究可以帮助生产行业管理优化设施布局并提高整体生产线效率。

实际影响

本研究解决了在沙特阿拉伯的零售和分销部门，特别是针对中小型企业 (SME) 的 6 Sigma DMAIC 与 AI 集成方法的使用缺乏已发表研究的问题。该研究展示了这种方法如何显着提高中小企业的绩效，并为该领域的未来研究奠定了基础。

原创性/价值

本研究提供了一个实例，说明如何将六西格码 DMAIC 与人工智能的集成方法用于沙特阿拉伯的零售和分销部门，以提高卓越运营和持续改进。该研究强调了这种方法对该地区中小企业的潜在好处，并为未来的研究提供了一个框架。