Do you know, what is six sigma? Six sigma is a worldwide popular methodology for business development.
The six sigma methods can be used to improve, improve and control the quality of a product.
If the business you are in has implemented six sigma, the products and services you have can be even better.
Now for Qwords friends who don’t know what six sigma is, on this occasion we will discuss the methods, techniques and stages in six sigma.
Watch the discussion until the end of the article, OK!
Understanding Six Sigma
Six sigma is a data-based methodology that serves to evaluate each process with the aim of improving quality.
First introduced by Dr Mikel Harry in the late 1970s, he is a senior engineer at the Motorola Government Electronics Group.
At first Dr Mikel Harry did problem solving using statistical analysis and the results showed a drastic improvement.
Products can be designed and manufactured more quickly at a lower cost.
Well this method is then written in a paper entitled “The Strategic Vision for Accelerating Six Sigma Within Motorola“.
Richard Schroeder, a former executive at Motorola finally helped Dr. Mikel Harry for the development, eventually found a simple quality measurement tool called Six Sigma.
Six Sigma Principles
Once you know the meaning of six sigma, there are 5 important principles of applying the six sigma method in business.
The following explains the six sigma principles:
- Focus on consumers
The key to six sigma is how to improve quality.
So we must first know the comments from consumers about the products we sell, collect all consumer criticism and input.
By focusing on consumers, businesses can make improvements in terms of product quality.
- Measuring value and identifying problems
The second principle in Six Sigma is measuring the value and identifying the causes of problems.
This activity can help identify potential problems in business that often occur.
Problem identification is done by collecting all data completely and accurately.
Then the mapping is done to get the correct and accurate values and problems.
- Eliminate unnecessary processes
If the problem has been found from the initial mapping, you can eliminate unnecessary processes.
The purpose of this principle is to carry out process efficiency and quality improvement.
- Teamwork
Six sigma involves the cooperation of all stakeholders involved in the process.
The leadership of a champion who becomes the highest leader in six sigma is very necessary at this stage.
The goal is that the process can run smoothly so as to produce a higher quality product.
- Flexibility and accuracy
Changes to new procedures must be made flexible and carried out carefully.
All stakeholders involved must be prepared for rapid changes so that the production process can be more effective.
Six Sigma Method
There are two main methods used in six sigma, namely DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) and DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Validate).
Here’s the explanation.
1. DMAIC method
The DMAIC method has 5 stages and each stage has several steps, the following is an explanation:
Define or define, this first stage begins with an approach to consumers:
Step 1: business problems are defined from a consumer perspective
Step 2: What goals do you want to achieve? Resources that can be used to achieve goals?
Step 3: map the process and verify to your boss that you are on the right track.
Measure or measure, this second stage is focused on the metrics and tools used for measurement.
How to improve it.
Step 1: measure business problems in the form of numbers with complete supporting data.
Step 2: determine benchmarks of performance.
Step 3: evaluate the measurement used, can it help achieve the goal?
Analyze or analysis, this third stage is to analyze the process to find influential variables.
Step 1: Is the process efficient and effective?
Step 2: calculate goals in the form of numbers.
Step 3: identify using historical data.
Improve or improve, this process identifies how you can improve the process that has been done.
Step 1: identify all influencing processes.
Step 2: find the relationship between the two variables.
Step 3: set process tolerances, make sure all are still within tolerance in terms of quality and can still be accepted by consumers.
Control or control, at this the last stage checks and identifies whether the previous stages have been implemented properly or not.
Step 1: validate the measurement system to be used.
Step 2: determine whether the process has been achieved or not.
Step 3: implement the process.
2. DMADV method
The DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, Validate) method is part of the Design for Six Sigma process.
This method is more suitable for use in product design and redesign.
DMADV is used when the running process cannot satisfy the customer, even after optimization and development of new methods.
The steps for the two methods are almost the same, the only difference being in the last step.
Six Sigma Techniques
The six sigma technique uses statistics and data analysis, here are eight six sigma techniques you need to know:
- Brainstorming
The first stage you have to find ideas and creative ways to solve problems.
- Root Cause Analysis
Analysis of the problem can be overcome with the 5W technique (why, who, when, what, where) to make it easier to find the main problem.
- Voice of the Customer
The third stage is to hear criticism and suggestions from consumers.
- 5S System
5S (Seiri, Seiton, Seiso, Seiketsu, Sshitsuke), meaning in Indonesian is concise, neat, clean, and diligent.
- Kaizen
Kaizen is a strategy used to improve business by monitoring, identification and development.
If there are inefficiencies in the process, changes can be made immediately for the better.
- Benchmarking
Benchmarking is an activity carried out to create measurement standards, which can be compared with direct competitors.
- Mistake Proofing/Poka-yoke
Activities carried out to avoid any potential errors that occur in the preparation of strategies.
- Value Stream Mapping
Finally, the six sigma technique is value stream mapping.
It is a material and information flow mapping technique for designing future projects.
Six Sigma positions
There are position levels in Six Sigma, the following is the discussion:
- Champion/Sponsor (Top Management)
Have the greatest responsibility for the business roadmap in achieving success.
- Master Black Belt
Having a responsibility as a mentor in the organization, the goal is to make the organization more successful.
- Black Belt
Black belt is a leader in a team who ensures that six sigma is actually implemented in his project.
- Green Belt
Green belt is a small department that focuses on developing strategies in six sigma.
- Team Members
Everyone who participated in the project.
- Other Six Sigma Belt
Finally, those who are supporters of six sigma.
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