A quick search on the internet about the Origins of Six Sigma and we can find out as to where and who was instrumental in coining the term “Six Sigma”. Lean Six Sigma or popularly known as Six Sigma was Introduced by Motorola Company in the year of 1986 by Bill Smith who was accompanied by Mikel Harry. .
Six Sigma Concept was conceived with the need for Process Improvement in an organization. The need for Superior Quality products, eliminating wastes, cost saving, Increased output all culminated into defining some Tool or Philosophy to achieve the same. In today’s scenario, we have an efficient tool in Lean Six Sigma which can be Implemented in various efficient ways
Before we move ahead let us Understand the Methodology of Six Sigma and how can we have a successful Lean Six Sigma Implemented in our Organizations.
Phases of Lean Six Sigma at any Organization
DMAIC – Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control.
Every acronym has its own role to play in determining the quality of product and bringing about overall Process Improvement in an Organization. Let’s get to know each term in a little more detail,
- DEFINE: Organization identifies the Gaps in the Process and defines the goals & Objectives which helps in improving the processes & meet customer quality expectations. This can be communicated in an effective manner by having an attractive Visual Poster defining the focus, scope, direction, and motivation.
- MEASURE: Performance of the defined goal is a very crucial aspect and measuring the same forms a major aspect in Lean Six Sigma. Data Capturing mechanism needs to be setup of the Process. Performance Indicator Visual Displays aid in measuring activity of defined Process.
- ANALYSE: Analysis of the data captured and accumulated over a period of time is verified and Problems if any are noted down. Root cause of Variation is found out and Action Plan for the same in prepared. Visual tools like Pareto charts, Flow Diagrams, Fishbone diagram, 5 Why is utilized to get the actual Root Cause. Visual Management tools and Boards bring a detailed and simplified aspect to the Analysis phase.
- IMPROVE: After the Analysis it is very Important to initiate the Improvement Process. Techniques such as Kaizen, TQM, 5S, Facility Visual Management, Documentation etc. are utilized to address the Problematic area and eliminating the root causes. Visual Boards and posters aids in the overall Improvement Drive within the organization and acts as information communication media.
- CONTROL: Once the Improvements have been implemented the same has to be made standard and ensured changes implemented become the norm and not just cosmetic. Visual cues like Information boards and safety stickers, Instruction boards, Markings and Identification, Employee appreciation boards can form part of Standardizing the said Improvements.
Lean Six Sigma in its entirety a Continual Improvement Process which can be streamlined and supported to a greater extent by Implementing Visual Management techniques .
How can Six Sigma Benefit my Organization/Business?
Implementing Six Sigma in any organization can have various benefits for the Business and bring about positive overall Improvement. Some of the common benefits observed are,
- Process improvement in Business or Organization
- Business efficiency is improved
- Overall Growth in the output of organization
- Reduction in Non-conformance of Process or product
- Availability of records and data for taking decisions
- MIS/ Performance monitoring helps for better achievement of business goals
- Risks are identified and prompt action taken.
- Growth mindset is inculcated among the Employees
- Business Stability is Achieved
- Compliance and Standardization is achieved
- Higher asset utilization observed
- High level of Customer Satisfaction
Successful Implantation of Lean Six Sigma offers a holistic benefit to all the processes and overall the entire Organization.
About Visualmitra & how we can assist in Six Sigma Implementation
Visualmitra has been in the Business of Facility Visual Management for the past 20 years and successfully helped organization achieve a Visually good looking and function Facility. Visualmitra has been successfully designed and Installed Posters, Signboards, MIS boards, Safety Instructions, Visual markings etc and have assisted organizations in successfully implementing Quality improvement tools like Six Sigma, TQM, Kaizen, ISO 9001:2015 etc.
Reach out to us at Visualmitra and be a part of the Visual change your organization always needed.