Pragmatic Six Sigma

Perhaps you are considering Six Sigma as a way of creating the improvements and changes that you are hoping to make in your business structure. Or perhaps you have just heard about Six Sigma for the very first time and you want to find out more about what it is and how you can use it to make your business rise to the top of the pile.

One thing is for sure you will want to do more than a few Google searches in order to gather information. 6 Sigma has been around since the early 80's and was created by Bill Smith of the Motorola company as a way to improve a company's bottom line by simply improving the quality of whatever that company is improving. The theory behind it is that improving the quality of the product would in turn improve the customer's experience and would thus improve that company's bottom line...and it worked.

Of course, just as with anything else that has been around a while there are loads of informational websites out there wanting you to take their Six sigma certification course or to purchase their products or materials and this is where things start to go awry. When you are looking to gather information about a topic such as this it is best to click on the news tab or to actually find books and business publications that talk specifically about the implementation of the Six Sigma strategies and which specific training courses are the best ones on the market.

Many websites try to make themselves seem like the authority on a particular topic and this is very much the case with Six Sigma websites as well. Online resources can be wonderful places to gather information but read carefully because many times you will notice discrepancies from one site to another and if you aren't careful you could base your conclusions about six sigma on information that is untrue or askew for the purpose of directing you to purchase a specific item.

Online research can be helpful and informative but it is important to make sure that you pay careful attention to where this information is coming from. Remember you information about Six Sigma will only be as accurate as your resources are.

Categories: Certifications

These days there are many universities trying to sell you their Six Sigma training and certification package. But 6 Sigma training is much more than it used to be. Now with a variety of different six sigma packages to choose from and several different formats it can be more difficult than ever as a manager to make the choices that best meet the needs of both your employees and your company as well.

Essentially Six Sigma is nothing more than an integrated approach to a philosophy that has been proven over time as effective in improving business performance. It is based on making changes and improvements in the predictability of business processes to improve the overall results as well as create better business practices and improve the company's bottom line. And companies such as GE Capital for instance have saved boatloads of money simply by implementing the Six Sigma methodology into their company creaging higher profits and better overall results.

Six Sigma programs include those programs designed for specific project groups, those designed for an entry level understanding, as well as those that are designed for the differenet levels of management within the company. There are those training classes that are designed towards those with different roles in Six Sigma such as training classes for Black Belts, Green Belts, Yellow Belts, Master Black Belts, and of course Champions.

There are also a variety of training courses that are designed to apply 6 Sigma methodology in specific settings such as lean Six Sigma, Green Six Sigma, and Six Sigma for Health Care. There are also 6 sigma programs designed for project management as well. There are even condensed courses designed as introductory courses that can allow those who aren't well versed in Six Sigma to learn a little bit about what it entails before signing up their entire company for training and certification programs.

Six Sigma is perhaps as popular as it is because it means so many things to so many different companies. No matter what your company specializes in or how big or small it is there are ways to effectively use part or all of the Six Sigma method to improve your business, customer expereience, and your bottom line and from that perspective it is an incredible business management tool.

Categories: Six Sigma

The lean manager possesses eight qualities that permit the optimizatrion of operations of any business entity. These qualities are applicable in every business endeavor from finance to manufacturing to marketing. The lean manager practices these skills daily..

Problem solving The lean6 sigma manager has the ability to see the whole picture, break it down into its various parts, and correct any problem that hinders optimal operations. The manager uses the scientific method to solve each problem. Inductive and deductive reasoning are used to analyze problems and apply the correct solution at the root of the problem.

Gemba(The Real Place) Lean managers must solve problems at their roots. The lean managers must go to the real place that the problem exists While it is true that some problems can be solved sitting at a desk, most problems occur in other places. The lean manager seeks the solution to problems wherever they occur.

Proper Tools The lean manager carefully selects the best tool for the task. Managers know that satisfied customers keep the business operating. Therefore, any item that increases quality, improves delivery time, or decreases expense becomes the proper tool.

Shows Respect for all People The lean manager is aware that people who are performing well in their positions of employment are experts in what they are doing. Therefore, he or she may learn from them; and in turn, the manager becomes more knowledgeable and skillful in his or her own field.

Searches Daily for Perfection The lean manager constantly searches for perfection. Every operation that he manages must always run smoothly and productively. Managers constantly watch for flaws and ways to improve operations

Not Afraid of Failure Managers are not afraid to fail because they know that with each failure they have learned something. They know that each experiment either improves their operations, or they have discovered something that doesn’t work. They are learning daily.

Questions Status Quo Managers are not satisfied with the status quo. They constantly rethink problems and look for optimal methods to do things. They know that finding a better way improves quality or reduces expenses so that everyone benefits with better products with a more competitive price

Uses Socratic Method Managers use the Socratic Method to motivate others to accomplish desired goals. The manager determines the desired outcome and forms questions to achieve that objective. The answers lead the employee to the correct conclusion.

Categories: Business

Six Sigma is a training program that has proven itself successful around the world. This program offers a number of benefits to any business or industry. This is a business management strategy that attempts to identify and remedy the issues that are associated with waste and variability in the manufacture and processes of any kind of good or service. It relies on an infrastructure that organizes management into different belts much like the system of martial arts. Six sigma is known for its ability to produce nearly 100% of the products of any firm with no errors. This improves the profitability of the entire organization, and there are many companies that can utilize online training for their benefits.

There are a few key components that are essential to understanding Six Sigma and the dramatic success it has provided to businesses in all types of industry. There is a clear focus on reducing the amount of errors that occur during the manufacturing process. It does this by ensuring the conditions under which the manufacturing occurs are the same at all times. When a business does not have any errors, it will naturally have a higher profit.

Online training is a great way for any company to embrace the ideals that are employed by Six Sigma trainers. They will provide all the information that is essential to ensuring that the data recorded in the manufacturing process can be used practically. Guess work and assumptions are often the major cause of errors during the process, and it is of primary importance to realize what information needs to be recorded. Another thing that is learned during online training seminars is the necessity of having managers that are not restricted to a certain area. Quality control is essential across all levels of an organization to be truly successful.

Six Sigma training is a great way for a business to increase its profit margin by minimizing the amount of waste and errors that accumulate during the manufacturing process. There are a number of things that are included in an online training program, and any organization can realize the increased profitability that is offered during these programs. They can learn which data is essential to the margins of error and this information can be used to increase the stability of the finished product. Online training courses are also designed to provide a convenience to organizations and can be taken at any time.

Categories: Case Studies

Six Sigma is a set of practices designed to improve manufacturing processes and eliminate defects that meets customer satisfaction. Motorola developed the core of Six Sigma in the 1986 inspired by the six preceding decades. Methods include quality control, zero defects, total quality management and statistical methods. Infrastructure within the organization is divided into categories such as black belts and green belts and so from beginner to expert. There are three steps that can mean effective Six Sigma training to achieve success.

#1 DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control)

This methodology has five phases.

• Define the existing problem and project goals and listen to the customer.
• Measure the key aspects of recent process and collect data that is relevant.
• Analyze and investigate data and determine relationships in an attempt to locate the root of the defect.
• Improve current process using techniques based on data analysis. Establish process capabilities and run tests in the design phase to eliminate errors,
• Control future processes and correct targeted errors from any defects. Statistical process control and monitoring the production by implementing control systems will result in fewer defects.

#2 DFSS (Design For Six Sigma)

This methodology has five phases.

• Define the goal with a design that meets customer demands.
• Measure and identify production and product process capabilities and risks and identify characteristics critical to quality assurance.
• Analyze the design and development and evaluate design and alternatives.
• Design details and plan for design verifications and optimizations.
• Verify the design via testing and production implementations prior to relinquishing to process owners.

#3 SIPOC (Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs, Customers)

Starting with the customer and working towards suppliers delivers satisfaction with all parties concerned for a successful product.

• The name of the process should be agreed upon.
• Process outputs are tangible items produced by the process such as reports.
• Define customer processes who receive the outputs.
• Define the input process such as a customer’s request that triggers the process.
• Define supplier process and who inputs the supply. This processes maybe the customer and/or the supplier.
• Define sub-process that makes up the process which is the activities that are carried out to convert the outputs and inputs like a map.

Six Sigma and its infrastructures are ideal in any manufacturing process in order to achieve zero defects and a quality item for customers.

Categories: Case Studies

When one thinks of business processes, he or she generally thinks of a 6 sigma production process. However, business processes exist in many more places than just the production line. A process is simply making an output for customers from two or more inputs. The customers can be either internal or external. These outputs do not necessarily have to be physical and are often intellectual. Problem solving processes is one example of an intellectual output. The process of solving problems can change from one organization to the other. Some organizations choose brainstorming sessions whereas others choose interactive sessions. Another example of a process that does not produce a physical output is management processes.

Organizations choose different styles of management. Some organizations choose a relaxed management style, while others have rigid structures. Often times the management process correlates with the employees who work there. Knowledge workers usually have a more laid back management process, whereas production workers have rigid management based on specific working hours, breaks, and discipline. Finally, the production process is all the steps of making a product. The process generally spans from the supplier all the way to the customer. Production processes become rigid in organizations that produce the same product without change. The processes for businesses that make different or custom ordered end-products are generally more flexible. Either way the production process will include how to get the raw products from the suppliers, how to transform those raw supplies into a finished product, and how to get the finished product to customers.

Processes exist everywhere; in fact, just ordering food at a drive through involves several processes on the other end. Whoever takes the order has a process of communication, the kitchen has a process for making the food, and finally there is a certain process to package the food. Processes go beyond the professional world, sometimes processes become a part of everyday life. People use processes to prepare for work, shop for food, do laundry, and before bed. Processes are simply the way to achieve a desired outcome. Processes improve, are improvised, and sometimes get completely reorganized. Ultimately, processes keep everything from becoming unorganized chaos. Processes standardize the way inputs become outputs.

Categories: Case Studies

In this day of advanced technology where processes are done at the speed of thought, a highly efficient organization is important. An efficient organization is achieved by equipping personnel with the necessary skill and knowledge to deliver goods and services at least cost. At this time and in this sphere, Six Sigma training can address this need. This is true for any organization – whether it is for business, an educational institution or the military.

Using the curriculum for Six Sigma training helps an organization achieve its goals and objectives by defining the obstacle which it faces. It sees such obstacles as opportunities and challenges and not as hindrances. Important in defining the obstacle or problem is a person who leads the group and inspires its members to make the best of who they are and what they have. Such leaders have a vision to see a project to fruition. For the team to work together, they must identify which aims are achievable. In order for them to work towards that aim, they must be able to measure their performance as well as the variables that necessitate completion of a project.

When the aims have been identified, the team determines the processes which can ensure attainment of the aim. Members need to analyze which procedures are efficient and which alternatives can be pursued given the possible constraints. Leaders, or champions as they are called in Six Sigma parlance, must teach other leaders the ways of bringing out efficiency in an organization. Those taught, or belts, must already be familiar with project management so that there is a lively interaction among the members of the team. In this way, belts share their experiences and possible dilemmas with their mentors. This is also a way of improving existing processes and potential savings for the organization. Individuals also enhance their own knowledge and skills.

With the development of new and tailored processes, the desired outcome of those processes can be achieved. It is also easier to control the variables which may hold an influence on the outcomes. Even with a lean organization, larger and wider projects can be achieved because manpower is optimized.

Categories: Business

These days it just makes sense that more and more businesses are looking for ways to improve the process of their business and to offer their customers more. Let's face it, any good business owner knows point blank that they need to make sure the end result of their hardwork ensures that their customers are satisfied. The customer, after all, is the central point of any business and their satisfaction is what will make your business fly or fold.

The health care industry is one that is constantly looking to improve since for the most part it is the constant errors and inconsistency of the quality of care that lead to the loss of millions of dollars per month in this industry. Let's face it there are other businesses in which you may get away with poor service but in the health care industry if your customers are not getting the care they need they could wind up dead and that means more malpractice suits which leads to more costly health insurance and higher doctor's bills. These problems send health care costs soaring and while they may be simple to resolve most in the health care industry aren't really sure how to approach the process problems that they know they have.

In light of the necessity for change across the board many in the military as well as in other areas of health care have opted for Six Sigma implementation. Using this type of program most find it easier to target the specific changes that need to be made as well as to create a better overall customer experience.

In the health care industry, in particular making improvements is important to helping to further improve customer experience by reducing the number of errors that are currently occuring on a regular basis. These errors are costing the health care industry far too much money and as a result many have found that Six Sigma is the thing that they need to get the job done.

By using Six Sigma to refine customer experiences and to turn out a better and more quality product, not only are those in the industry itself benefiting but those that are the customers themselves. Six Sigma offers the opportunity to improve a variety of different businesses and has proven itself so effective in the health care industry that even government agencies and the military health care system have gone to using Six Sigma to attain the best possible results across the board.

Categories: Certifications

Believe it or not, it’s becoming easier than ever to ensure the financial validation of projects.

Yes, it’s true. Even in this day and age, validating financial projects accurately and effortlessly is not out of the question. Even more interesting is the fact there are a number of agencies which exist and can actually consult with businesses on how to better manage and financially validate any projects.

With that said, the Six Sigma Training website might just be one of the best options available when it comes to ensuring the financial validation of projects.

Quality improvement is an integral part of any business model. As scope of business is ever changing, staying up to date with current process is an absolute must for business owners, especially when it comes to the financial validation of a project.

With that said, Six Sigma Training’s website might just be one of the best resources available. Their site is not only user friendly, but also features a wide variety of information and resources pertaining financial validation and project management. Additionally, it should be noted the websites main function is to serve as a guide for process management, and in this case – processes to help assist with ensuring the financial validation of a project.

The great thing about taking advantage of Six Sigma Training’s website is they are among the best out there when it comes to not only examining solutions, but also checking to see who well they’ve done and then look further into adding improvements in order to work out any kinks.

The whole ideology behind Six Sigma Training is to place an emphasis on creating better process for businesses. As was previously stated, on such area Six Sigma specializes in is ensuring the financial validation of projects. Essentially, their goal is to make sure clients are making the best decisions possible when it comes to projects requiring a strong financial base.

Let’s face it. All too often a business will take the wrong approach when it comes to the financial management of projects. Validating whether or not the cost of a project is worth the amount of time, labor and money put into is absolutely vital to developing a successful process.

This is where Six Sigma Training can be useful. Their team can help guide business owners into developing the necessary process to help make their business more successful. Even better is the fact their training is easy to understand and efficient.

One of the best means of ensuring the financial validation of a project is by ensure the financial leader is correctly signing off on the actual savings from a project. During the control phase of a project, it’s up to the finance department to manage the reporting of metrics and any savings.

A metric should also be tracked long after a project is created. Such a responsibility should be placed on the shoulders of an authority leader; or, process owner if the duties are handed off by the project manager.

Categories: Case Studies

You spend a lot of money training your employees. How do you get the best possible return on training investment?

First, determine what you spend on training to calculate your return on training investment. If you pay a vendor to provide training, use the invoices as a base. If you train in-house, use payroll hours for the time spent preparing and delivering the training. Add in the payroll employees spend training and the cost of materials used. Use these expenses to figure your return on training investment.

Next, determine the value of the benefit from training to calculate your return on training investment. Increased productivity, eliminated mistakes, increased sales, fewer returns, etc. are examples of measurements that determine the benefit. Effective management reports will help to figure the return on training investment.

Use this formula to calculate your return on training investment:

Return on Training Investment (ROI) % = Benefit-Expenses/Expenses) x 100

Your return on training investment depends on five factors:

1. Cut training costs to boost the return on your training investment. Consider computer-based or online learning. Use on-the-job training to save on payroll. Record training to use more than once. Be creative to cut costs and improve return on training investment.
2. Maximize your return on training investment by using relevant training. Focus on specific skills and knowledge your employees need. Nothing drives down return on training investment faster than wasting time teaching unneeded skills.
3. Determine your training needs to get real value from your return on training investment. Analyze gaps in what your employees know and what they still need. Look at specific tasks.
4. Measure the results to improve your return on training investment. Track factors like time spent correcting errors, customer satisfaction, sales, etc. over time and compare them with before the training. Use the difference to determine the cost benefit and your return on training investment.
5. Use six sigma training effectively to improve your return on training investment. The 80/20 rule states that 20% of efforts produce 80% of results. Focus on training that has the biggest impact on your company’s results and your return on training investment will improve.

Good training not only helps your return on training investment but increases productivity, improves customer satisfaction, saves time and expenses, increase sales, and makes for happier employees. Follow these simple steps and you will get more from your return on training investment.

Categories: Methodologies