Six Sigma basically aims to improve the efficiency of business processes by reducing the number of defects. The goal is to achieve near-perfect processes in which the number of defects does not exceed the 3.4 per million opportunities that exist for such defects to occur under normal circumstances. Six Sigma concepts can be implemented in all types of organizations, whether it’s a one-man business that has a few simple processes, or a large corporation that has hundreds of complex business processes.
However, to realize the full potential of Six Sigma implementations, it is necessary to define and understand some basic concepts that are vital to the success of any Six Sigma implementation. The following are some of the key features of Six Sigma that organizations need to understand before executing Six Sigma implementation projects.
Leadership support and commitment
The success of any Six Sigma implementation project depends very much on the level of support that senior management provides to the Six Sigma teams managing the implementations. It requires support and commitment in the form of time, effort, and resources, which are vital to the success of any quality improvement initiative undertaken by an organization. Leadership cannot afford to have a relaxed attitude while implementing Six Sigma implementation projects in the organization.
Data-driven approach
Six Sigma concepts, if successfully implemented, help reduce defects and improve efficiency. This is because Six Sigma quality improvement techniques are based on sound reasoning and make use of statistical tools that provide accurate results. The data-driven approach helps reduce reliance on human expertise and hunches, which can sometimes prove disastrous, especially when dealing with complex business processes that are multi-threaded. Statistical tools are used at each stage of the Six Sigma implementation process such as Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control to eliminate the occurrence of human error.
Training and cultural change
Six Sigma, as a quality improvement methodology, emphasizes providing the necessary training to employees so that they can carry out implementations much more effectively. Proper training is necessary for all types of personnel associated with implementation projects, be it a senior manager or a plant foreman dealing with routine tasks. Six Sigma also places an emphasis on making employees aware of the changes that are bound to occur after implementations.
Employees need to be aware of potential changes to their work environment and how it will help them reduce their workload and increase their overall efficiency.
All of the features mentioned above form the core of any Six Sigma implementation project and must be strictly adhered to to ensure successful implementations. Failure to adhere to any of the basics mentioned above can seriously undermine the effectiveness of deployments and can even lead to redundancies that can be very costly to the organization.