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.
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