Friday, December 19, 2008

Six Sigma and DMAIC Methodology

By Craig Calvin

The five step process known as DMAIC is a basic component of Six Sigma methodology. It is this that allows Six Sigma to make such huge differences in companies across the globe today. Most in the business world have heard of Six Sigma, but few really understand how it can improve their businesses. Six Sigma certification will teach employees how to measure and define every process in the company, then use that information to make change. DMAIC is how it's done.

1. Define goals and scope of the business. Most companies know exactly what they want to achieve, but really don't have the skills needed to do it. It is during the first step of defining goals that the Six Sigma training teaches how to identify what the goals really are.

2. Measure the current process in a numerical fashion. This includes identifying characteristics that are critical to quality (CTQs) as well as processes that are not as effective as they should be.

3. Analyze the data to find root causes of both negative and positive effects. This is where the Minitab software used in the Six Sigma certification process can be so effective. Instead of hiring a statistician to compile results, a business can use any employee with Six Sigma certification to spearhead the process and apply the software to identify a company's strengths and weaknesses.

4. Improve the process based on your data. This can include trying changes on a small scale to measure their efficacy, then instituting the effective changes throughout the corporation. It can mean common sense analysis such as looking at a process and cutting wastes of time and materials. Six Sigma certification will teach your employees to streamline every conceivable aspect of your business, making it a profit driven machine with little or no wasted time and effort.

5. Control the process to make sure all deviations from the target are identified and dealt with before they can have a negative effect. Once you have settled on a process that is high efficiency and free of waste, there is no reason to deviate from it. Six Sigma certification will teach your employees to measure results on an ongoing basis to evaluate the process, identify money and time sucking deviations from it, and eliminate them. This will ensure long term success and make sure your hard earned changes 'stick'. If this sounds like a grueling process, you can rest assured that Six Sigma certification and implementation is usually an exciting and positive process. It is not about assigning blame or identifying scapegoats. Quite to the contrary, Six Sigma will revolutionize your company and allow your employees to take pride in the results of their hard work. If your company needs an attitude and efficiency makeover, Six Sigma certification may be the key to positive change. - 16928

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