Learning About Six Sigma 101
As any first level class explains the basic principles by which the rest of the subject matter discussed will adhere to, learning the basics of Six Sigma should be viewed in much the same fashion. Hence, Six Sigma 101 is a wonderful title to introduce people to the basic principles and concepts that are behind this particular quality improvement system.
Six Sigma Training and Certification is not like any other program you may have taken in the past. It is the essential way in which a business should be run. It is a way by which a business can operate at nearly perfect efficiency with the goal of only 3 or 4 defects per million widgets produced.
If that seems like a lofty goal to you, then you would be right. The ability to perform at such levels in nigh on impossible. However, the goal should always be aimed high so as to keep the process of continuous improvement moving forward and never relaxing on one’s laurels. The surprising thing, though, is that it actually works!
The Six Sigma Process is not only to be used for manufacturing processes; it is also a way to help improve customer satisfaction and consumer delight. When you look at a process in a manufacture setting, you must be able to look at it from multiple angles.
One angle will be how the process improvement will help the bottom line of the company as far as costs. Another will be the overall efficiency improvement that can be achieved by revamping the process as well as the employee labor, safety, and costs. Yet another will be how changing the business process will affect the end user, the consumer.
If the implemented improvements offer benefits to all of these areas, then it is probably a good idea to tackle them in a very logical and straightforward process for improvement. Once procedures have been established, constant vigilance must be maintained to ensure that nothing impairs the process and its efficiency. If anything were to interfere with the overall process, all of the above-mentioned areas will be affected in a negative sense.
A company, by gathering information, measuring data, tracing problems to the root cause, implementing new standards and processes, and then monitoring those processes to look continually for ways by which to improve in all of these areas, is sure to find the best way to produce the best widget. This company will do so at the lowest price possible, with happy employees, efficient and safe production lines, all while making the customer very happy and turning a great profit. This is a Six Sigma Company!
When the company uses Six Sigma methods, they will implement controls, measurements, and data gathering tools that will keep them in control and in the loop as the products are manufactured, with as little lag time as possible.
The highest quality products typically employ this type of methodology. Good companies and products just do not fall out of trees; they are made intentionally with a good plan, good implementation, and someone operating the helm to make sure that continuous improvement is part of the culture in the workplace. This is Six Sigma 101.
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