President & CEO Applies Lean Six Sigma in His Logistics Company - Gets Green Belt Certified

Originally Published 5.2.2017

MAKATI CITY, Philippines - In March 2017, Jan Ernest Go, President, and CEO of Ernest Logistics Corporation, got his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification after reducing the average Lead Time arrival in shipment deliveries from an average of 11 days down to 2.8 days. This drop in shipment time allowed the company to avoid storage fees, liquidated damages, other penalties, and an annual cost savings of approximately 1.184M Pesos.

"...As a Company Owner, it is fine with or without the title. What really matters to me most is the value that this program has taught me, and has educated me with. Because only through that, that our Company can actually grow, and unleash its true potential" - Jan Ernest Go, CSSGB

On the day of his certification, Jan left a brief testimonial about his project to inspire the graduating Greenbelt class. Discussing the problem, the solution, how the solution became viable, and the results that came after it.

Of course, such inspiring and insightful stories should not be caged in the classroom! That's why we conducted a one-on-one interview with Mr. Go, to gather further details - especially how he did it so that more and more Filipino professionals can be inspired. All you need to do is scroll further in this article and all the information will be yours!

Go Ahead! Be inspired, Be Awesome.

Q. What prompted you to take the Lean Six Sigma Workshop?

A. At that time, I was in the middle of a QMS project for our Company, which was the design and implementation of Business Processes. The value I saw in Process Development/Improvement led me to learn more about the program, and better educate myself since I am a firm believer that Systems/Processes can help my Company scale up

Q. What Prompted you to start your project?

A. Mainly the desire to prove that our Company can overcome these issues, and in addition, the reality of these potentially damaging losses in the form of Storage Fees, Demurrage, and currently implemented Liquidated Damages that are being charged against us.

Q. What was your project about?

A. It was about resolving Transit Time issues for a Customer with shipments to Iloilo. On a normal occasion, we experience a Transit Time or for some, Lead Time of about 11 days from arrival in Iloilo to delivery to the Consignee, when it should only take no more than 7 days from pickup in Manila to delivery in Iloilo for the entire door-to-door movement.

Q. What was it like for you, starting up and executing your own project?

A. Value at its best. Since I am the kind of person who wants things to get done immediately, what I learned with this project, although results showed at a faster pace than expected, is that patience is also an important lesson that needs to be applied in projects such as this one. We cannot just easily jump to conclusions without further validating theories, especially without the presence of data.

Q. What was/were the key element/s that led to the success of your project?

A. Make sure that your Project Sponsor is of the same wavelength as yours. This will allow you to maneuver through change management during the entire course of your project. You may have the best analysis, valuable data, and greatest solutions, but if none of these can really be implemented because your sponsor does not approve of these, then the project may not lead anywhere productive for you.

Q. What were the results of your project? 

A. A decrease in Lead Time from arrival in Iloilo to the delivery of the shipment, from typically 11 days down to about 2.8 days. ​

"That's one reason why companies give high value to Certified Lean Six Sigma individuals. One does not just attend a program and receive his certification but has to successfully apply and show proper use of tools and methodology with actual work processes. One has to earn his Lean Six Sigma certification,"- Rex Tuozo, “The Six Sigma Guy”

Q. What was the impact of your project on your company?

A. Since the idle time had been significantly reduced in destination, it suggests an annualized savings of about ₱1.184M as a result of avoided storage fees, liquidated damages, and other penalties.

Q. What was the impact of being a certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt on you as an individual / professional?

A. I am actually not really after the title. On the side, the title brings a sense of achievement, but as a Company Owner, it is fine with or without the title. What really matters to me most is the value that this program has taught me, and has educated me with. Because only through that, that our Company can actually grow, and unleash its true potential

Q. ​What would be your message to those who are currently taking/planning to take the Green Belt Program or those who are currently conducting their own projects?

A. The difficulty in accomplishing any green belt projects is second to none. It is in reality difficult from all angles, but in the middle of this challenge must lie the commitment to attain the goal and not only to be interested because of the title. Be committed to a project that will give you value because interests at some point subside whilst commitment will keep you moving forward.

Q. Is there anything else that you'd like to share about your experience?

A. The amount you spend for this program, is nothing to the value you’ll get if you’re truly committed to self-improvement.

To be certified in Lean Six Sigma, one has to complete an actual Lean Six Sigma project and apply process improvement tools, methodology, and techniques learned in class. "That's one reason why companies give high value to Certified Lean Six Sigma individuals. One does not just attend a program and receive his certification but has to successfully apply and show proper use of tools and methodology with actual work processes. One has to earn his Lean Six Sigma certification," Tuozo said. "If you attend our Lean Six Sigma programs, unlike other training providers, you get continuous support after the program, for no additional cost. You'll be assigned a Black Belt to help you complete your project," Tuozo added.

"If you attend our Six Sigma programs, unlike other training providers, you get continuous support after the program, for no additional cost. You'll be assigned a Black Belt to help you complete your project," –Rex Tuozo, “The Six Sigma Guy"

Start your Lean Six Sigma journey for free!
Take our internationally-recognized White Belt e-Learning with certification anytime:
sixsigmaph.teachable.com/p/lean-six-sigma-white-belt-certification-program