Six Sigma Approach to Continuous Improvement

Six Sigma is traditionally a mechanism for reducing defects during the discrete manufacturing through the use of analytical methods and statistics.  It is a highly refined, data intensive approach to problem solving.

Six Sigma was developed by Motorola in 1986.  It is a business management strategy.  It is widely used in many areas of business. Six Sigma is a set of practices designed to improve manufacturing processes and to eliminate defects.  It works with highly complex design and process problems or problems that are enterprise wide.  Two well known acronyms  DMAIC and DMADV (DFSS) define the associated steps in Sigma activities.

For process and systems problems:

D: Define the problem

M: Measure the problem

A: Analyze the data for root causes

I: Implement a counter measure

C: Control for sustainability

For engineering/design problems (DFSS – Design for Six Sigma)

D: Define the problem

M: Measure the problem

A: Analyze the data for root causes

D: Design a solution

V: Validate the solution.

The implementation cost of Sigma program is highly prohibitive.  The various skill levels are called black, brown, yellow and green belts. Hence, Six Sigma may not be necessary or suitable for most organizations.  Before Six Sigma is applied, an organization must ask some key questions to understand if Sig Sigma is right or needed for the organization keeping the cost factor in the mind.

Continuous Improvement (CI)

Michael Aguire Consulting defines “CI is a strategic approach to improving performance of an organization.  CI is an enterprise wide approach driven by top- management.  CI focuses on identifying the key measures of the company`s overall performance, coupled with company`s short and long term goals and objectives; using them as a measure of identifying, monitoring and responding to organization opportunities.  A good CI program is a key part of an  organization`s foundation philosophy to ensure long term success.  When managed effectively, it enables the organization to identify opportunities and risks before hand and enables a more rapid and cost effective response”.

The "CI program based on Lean and Six Sigma" depends on meticulous planning, continuous monitoring and adjusting several parameters of the program.  Vital key indicators must be monitored and adjusted accordingly.

Questions:

• Define Six Sigma method.
• Write a short note on Continuous Improvement.