Six Sigma Training and Consulting

How does Six Sigma Work?

Six Sigma projects use two different approaches, depending on the objective: PROCESS IMPROVEMENT (DMAIC) and PROCESS DESIGN/RE-DESIGN, often called Design for Six Sigma (DFSS)

Process Improvement (DMAIC)

The purpose of process improvement is to eliminate the causes of problems in processes that already exist in the organisation so that overall company performance is improved in key areas.

A five-step approach is used to address these opportunities:

1. Define

The process to be improved is clearly defined together with the objective of the improvement activity, and how this will impact on the organisations goals.

2. Measure

The current process is defined and measured, collecting data to confirm its current performance compared to what is required to achieve the objectives agreed in step 1.

3. Analyse

The data is analysed to identify ways of closing the performance gap and the actions necessary to address the problems that are preventing optimum performance are defined.

4. Improve

The actions necessary to improve the process to achieve the required performance goals are taken.

5. Control

The controls needed to ensure the improved process can operate consistently over time are introduced.

Process design/re-design - (DMADV)

Sometimes it is not enough just to redesign an existing process. If breakthrough performance is required, or if the process does not exist, then designing a new process from scratch is necessary. Six Sigma again uses a five-step approach, called DMADV. The same approach can also be used for new product design.

1. Define

Identify the critical business goals and relate how the process will impact on the goals. Define the level of performance required, the current gaps in performance and any risk areas

2. Measure

Develop new concepts for how the process could work, assess the potential impact on performance measures for each of these concepts.

3. Analyse

Identify the key process inputs and outputs, simulate the processes in operation, review risks and select the best process.

4. Design

Carry out detailed design for the process, identify the controls needed to ensure input and output variables are controlled within required limits. Develop and agree action plans for implementation.

5. Validate

Implement the new process and measure its performance in the real world. Validate that process input variables are within desired limits. Leverage the opportunities provided by the new process.

If you want to find out more about how Six Sigma operates, the different levels of Six Sigma Training involved, or would like to discuss this article and how it could help you contact us at the SigmaPro.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 20th, 2008 at 11:46 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.