Six Sigma is a standardized continuous improvement methodology which has been laid out with the sole aim of generating defect-free, high quality product or process in the end.
The term was originally coined by the multinational telecommunications company Motorola, and is used to define a quality management philosophy where the capability & performance of a business process is expressed in terms of PPM.
According to the Six Sigma approach, a standardized process is one where the maximum defect possibility does not exceed more than 3.
4 PPM.
Six Sigma is actually based on an improvement process called DMAIC which functions as the backbone of Six Sigma framework.
It is basically a data-driven improvement initiative which provides a step-by-step procedure for refining, augmenting & alleviating the business processes.
Now...
Lets get deeper into what exactly the term "DMAIC" stands for, and what all does it encompasses.
Well...
DMAIC, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve & Control is a five step cycle targeted towards elimination of defects & maximization of end quality.
Below is a detailed explanation of the chief components of the DMAIC methodology: • Define: This step identifies & defines the activities, quality tools and the detailed requirements that constitute an integral part of the project.
It involves development of a project/team charter which provides a clear outline of various project aspects such as critical customer requirements, terms of reference, route map to improvement, risks involved etc.
• Measure: It involves the measurement & establishment of a standard or baseline performance for current business processes for the purpose of comparing the final & the initial results.
Quality tools like Tally Charts, Check Sheets & Control Charts are utilized during this step.
• Analyze: Next comes the analysis step where the root cause of the problem is identified & worked upon.
The step involves various activities such as examining the detailed process maps, estimating the risks involved & drawing out the improvement initiatives that can be taken for minimizing the chances of project failure.
Quality tools like Histograms, Pareto diagrams & Run Charts are used during this step.
• Improve: The actual implementation of improvement initiatives takes place during this step of the DMAIC process.
Here, efforts are directed towards drawing tactical implementation plans & prioritizing the process improvements using tools like Brainstorming, Solution Selection Matrix & Affinity Diagrams.
Control over the process variations is taken over by employing activities like developing solution alternatives, validating the implemented solutions using pilots, determining solution effectiveness etc.
• Control: Proper control measures are taken so as to eliminate the root causes responsible for process defects, and also for maintaining the improvement gains that have been acquired as a part of modified business processes.
The term was originally coined by the multinational telecommunications company Motorola, and is used to define a quality management philosophy where the capability & performance of a business process is expressed in terms of PPM.
According to the Six Sigma approach, a standardized process is one where the maximum defect possibility does not exceed more than 3.
4 PPM.
Six Sigma is actually based on an improvement process called DMAIC which functions as the backbone of Six Sigma framework.
It is basically a data-driven improvement initiative which provides a step-by-step procedure for refining, augmenting & alleviating the business processes.
Now...
Lets get deeper into what exactly the term "DMAIC" stands for, and what all does it encompasses.
Well...
DMAIC, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve & Control is a five step cycle targeted towards elimination of defects & maximization of end quality.
Below is a detailed explanation of the chief components of the DMAIC methodology: • Define: This step identifies & defines the activities, quality tools and the detailed requirements that constitute an integral part of the project.
It involves development of a project/team charter which provides a clear outline of various project aspects such as critical customer requirements, terms of reference, route map to improvement, risks involved etc.
• Measure: It involves the measurement & establishment of a standard or baseline performance for current business processes for the purpose of comparing the final & the initial results.
Quality tools like Tally Charts, Check Sheets & Control Charts are utilized during this step.
• Analyze: Next comes the analysis step where the root cause of the problem is identified & worked upon.
The step involves various activities such as examining the detailed process maps, estimating the risks involved & drawing out the improvement initiatives that can be taken for minimizing the chances of project failure.
Quality tools like Histograms, Pareto diagrams & Run Charts are used during this step.
• Improve: The actual implementation of improvement initiatives takes place during this step of the DMAIC process.
Here, efforts are directed towards drawing tactical implementation plans & prioritizing the process improvements using tools like Brainstorming, Solution Selection Matrix & Affinity Diagrams.
Control over the process variations is taken over by employing activities like developing solution alternatives, validating the implemented solutions using pilots, determining solution effectiveness etc.
• Control: Proper control measures are taken so as to eliminate the root causes responsible for process defects, and also for maintaining the improvement gains that have been acquired as a part of modified business processes.
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