subject: The Various Phases Of Six Sigma And How It Will Benefit Your Business [print this page] Six sigma is a process used by businesses to evaluate the processes utilized by their organizations in order to eliminate waste, reduce production time, and limit defects. Even though professional certifications are present for those who practice six sigma methodologies routinely, all employees are able to take part in waste reduction utilizing the principles of six sigma.
Six sigma tools could be used individually or within the framework of a larger sized project. For full projects based upon six sigma methodologies, five phases are used, spelling the acronym DMAIC. In the design phase, the project framework is laid out, making use of the voice of the consumer- internal or external- to define the problem and detect the area to be targeted for eliminating waste. In this initial phase, present processes and data can be inspected to identify the patterns that may be leading to waste in time, materials or income.
The second phase in a six sigma project is called the measure phase. In this phase, the method of measure along with the specific measures to be taken are fully explained. In addition, any oddities which may affect measurement are also taken into consideration, and a plan can be drawn up to mitigate inconsistencies. Next, the third phase, called the analyze phase, fully evaluates all of the data that has been gathered or measured. In the analyze phase, it's significant to appraise both the key body of data as well as any prospective outliers. Outliers may be one-time anomalies with no implications on the overall project, or can be recurrent indicators of matters concerning waste.
Once data has been evaluated thoroughly, the third phase of a six sigma project can commence: improve. In the improve phase, detailed plans are built to redesign the approach in which specific tasks are performed to remove waste in time, materials and cash. Quick wins, such as a standalone modification which can be applied rapidly, can be employed in this phase, or even earlier as simple fixes are found. Within the improve phase, a plan for implementation of changes must also be regarded, along with any necessary back-up plans to cover the time between when business as usual ends and the new methodologies commence.
The final phase of a six sigma project is called the control phase. Within this phase, the performance of the plans from the improve phase are measured or "controlled." If enhancements are recognized on a sustainable and lasting basis, the control phase is deemed a success and future monitoring is the only additional course of action. If unexpected results are seen, the project can back up to the improve phase for further modifications.
Six sigma is a detailed and thorough way to attack problems of waste within companies. Whether the tools of six sigma are used individually or a full five-phase project is designed, you can eliminate waste in time, materials and money efficiently and effectively.
by: Craig Calvin
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