Moonshine process improvement

Moonshine is a process improvement method that focuses on low cost and low risk prototype development. Originally developed as a LEAN Six Sigma Manufacturing power tool for "grass roots" and improvements by Shingijitsu Corporation Ltd. Utilizing LEAN Six Sigma Manufacturing methods, Moonshine became a popular approach for encouraging creative and experimental cost savings ideas in American corporations like Boeing. Moonshine Process Improvement concepts have since taken hold in the Public sector in places like Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard where projects are developed and run by the Hawaii Federal Employees Metal Trades Council.

Moonshine process improvement initiatives in Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard began in 2003 shortly after Lean Six Sigma initiatives were deployed in the organization. Its main focus was to improve the dynamic processes utilized to perform work. In Pearl Harbor, Moonshine successes come from not only improvements in the dated concepts and processes, but also winning the hearts and minds of the workers from the deck plate on up. The Moonshine program was founded on the core concepts of instilling Dignity, Pride and Respect into the employees of all levels of the command to ensure that they would have an impact of their future. The program strives to make everyday common sense methods and ideas into common practice. The Moonshine program brings ideas and concepts into reality by creating teams of Subject Matter Experts to discuss and try-storm a viable solution. In the end, the formal process of engineering controls, documentation and safety requirements are made transparent to the Subject Matter Expert so that they are able to focus on the solutions instead of the problems.