long time has invariably opened the door to new thinking, new
approaches and measurable improvements. Overall, the shared
service centers’ ability to maintain performance levels while
driving down costs has created a true strategic advantage for Intel
human resources.
In addition to the shared service centers, Intel human
resources adapted the Lean Six Sigma principles, training and
culture found across its manufacturing environment. Lean
Six Sigma is a production process centered on the concept of
preserving value with less work. The Intel HR team hired several
manufacturing Lean experts to provide training, coaching
and direct support for complex HR challenges. At first, some
were skeptical about how Lean Six Sigma could benefit an HR
organization, but the results have been significant. During a
three-year period, more than 1,000 HR employees completed
some level of Lean Six Sigma training, and 80 employees earned
their Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt or Master Black Belt
certification. The Lean Six Sigma projects generated more than
$3 million in savings during the first three years of the p