What Does the Six Sigma Methodology Entail?
Six Sigma is a quality based management strategy that is designed to make any business organization operate at near perfection. It aims to do this by limiting any defects in any process to a minimum as well as cutting down on the variability between the processes. A defect can be referred to as anything outside of what the customer has specified. It is guided by data and statistics that are learned along with the Methodology.
There are two types of methodology that guide the Six Sigma strategy: DMAIC and DMADV. The main aim for this sub methodology is to strategize on how to improve on the existing processes that are falling below the set expectation or how to create new products from scratch to customer satisfaction. Once this is achieved there will definitely be a significant change in the positive direction when it comes to profits, customer satisfaction, and employee morale.
DMAIC is an acronym for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control. This process is used to improve upon existing products, services, or processes. The define phase requires that the problem being experienced is known or discovered, especially on the part of the customer as well as concerning the project as a whole. Measure the data related to the given process and collect it in an organized an easily accessible manner. Analyze the chosen data and use it to identify what the main cause of the defect is. Improve on the current process by eliminating the root of the defects. Control the process so that it maintains the required standards.
DMADV is a strategy that focuses on developing new processes that will definitely comply with the Six Sigma levels of quality. It could also be employed on an ongoing process that requires a lot of improvement or a near overhaul. It is a variation from the DMAIC that it is used for existing processes needing minor or medium changes.
DMADV is also an acronym that stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Verify. Define the goals that are to be met with guidance from the customer specifications. Measure the metrics to be used in ensuring that the quality will be as expected. Analyze the data to be used for the processes. Design the process as per the quality that is desired. Verify the process by a pilot project or through prototypes to ensure that it works as expected.
The processes in the company are supervised by Green Belts and the Black Belts who are in turn answerable to the Master Black Belts. Therefore, by definition, Six Sigma is a metric standard of measurement, a methodology, as well as a management system all rolled into one. Through the use of this system, when it is successful, it is expected that there will be less than for defects per every one million opportunities realized by the firm (less than 3.4 DPMO to be exact, or defects per million opportunities).
The success of a Six Sigma Process is based on a few factors. The first is to understand and define the needs and requirements of the expected customers. Once this is known, the business should try and align their services towards this needs and requirements. The basis of this methodology is the collection of sound data and to use the acquired data to improve their processes.
A majority of the large corporations utilize the Six Sigma methodology since it has been widely acknowledged to provide the required results. It is a proven success in cutting the costs of firms worldwide as well as guaranteeing benefits to the company within the first few years of its implementation.