The Basic Terms of Six Sigma
Six Sigma methods are used by company executives who are attempting to increase the quality in their company procedures. Sometimes, 6 Sigma Professionals are called in as consultants to company executives.
It is not necessary often for the company executives to understand all of the terms used by Six Sigma professionals when they are called in as consultants. Six Sigma professionals understand the terms and know how to use the methods in order to increase the sales of their products and services. They have been trained and are well qualified to utilize each method in increasing quality.
Each professional will work on a belt level system. The top level is the Black Belt professional. This individual will lead each team project. They are responsible for much of the decision-making and will deal with the company executives more closely than the others on the belt system. As the leader, the Black Belt professional will take into account all ideas and suggestions put forth by the other members of the team.
The second level of the Six Sigma team is the Green Belt. This individual will work as a supervisor and consult with the Black Belt professional as well as the Yellow Belt professionals. The Yellow Belt professional is the support structure for the project. These are the individuals who will collect the data from the company procedures, analyze that data, and report back the findings. They also have the opportunity to create solutions that could possibly work to benefit the company. They will bring these solutions to the Green and Black Belt professionals. The team will discuss which solution or solutions are best for the company. Once solutions have been narrowed down, the black belt will consult with company executives to see what solution works best for them.
Six Sigma teams use methods that are common to them. The DMAIC and DMADV methods are generally used during the project to keep it organized. DMAIC stands for define, measure, analyze, improve, and control and is used for improving processes that are already in use by a company. The DMADV method is define, measure, analyze, design, and verify design and is used for designing new products or services. Each step is an important part of the project from the beginning to the end. Each member of the 6 Sigma team will have particular procedures that they will use during their analysis and collection of data.
Business executives also benefit from Lean Six Sigma which helps them eliminate many of the procedures and processes they no longer need – otherwise known as ‘cutting the waste’. Streamlining is an excellent way to bring profit to a company that is struggling to control their financial productivity. These 6 Sigma principles can be applied to any industry. The business owners and executives are responsible for maintaining the highest quality standards they can. Using Six Sigma principles is an excellent way to bring quality back to the desired level within any company that may or may not be struggling.
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