|
What is Six Sigma (6σ) about?
Six-Sigma (6σ) is an organisational strategy that engages everyone in the reduction of defects through the use of powerful methods and the creation of an infrastructure of expertise. Simply put, it is the achievement of Business Improvement through the application of Statistical Methods. It is as appropriate in the transactional and service environment as it is in manufacturing.
It is underpinned by three key fundamental principles:
- All work occurs in a system of interconnected and interdependent processes.
- Variation exists in all processes.
- Understanding and reducing variation are the keys to success.
An important feature of 6σ includes the appointment of full and part-time practitioners - "Black and Green Belts" - whose role it is to reduce the defects in the organisational processes through 6σ projects. These people are trained in the application of rigorous statistical methods.
Our Approach
We at PRISM Consultancy International heard from a number of our long-standing clients of the shortcomings of the standard 6σ approach and which could lead, unfortunately, to it being classed as yet another failed management fad in spite of its obvious strengths.
Compared to Lean Systems Thinking, 6s as it is commonly taught contains some serious flaws. There are many of these flaws but they include:
- A lack of whole systems perspective
- A lack of focus on customer value
- A focus on cost saving
- A bureaucratic approach to documentation
- The teaching of many statistical methods which will never be used by practitioners
Our response to this is to offer our clients an approach which incorporates the strengths of 6s, eliminates the flaws and weaknesses and includes important new content which is missing from the standard programme.
Wisdom and knowledge underpins training - not just "following a recipe". This includes the use of DMAIC methodology for improvement - PRISM emphasises the concept of PDSA - and this is fully incorporated in the 6-Sigma variant of the PRISM Improvement Experience course.
Although Black Belts are the central team of expertise, we believe that everyone should take part. There is a need to avoid elitism and ensure that everyone on the company can be involved and contribute to its transformation. We do not advocate "sheep-dip" training but encourage a "just-in-time" approach, as people can be involved with the developing programme.
The PRISM Improvement Experience course is the ideal vehicle for giving your people an exciting as well as a straightforward methodology and toolset for engaging in your organisational version of 6-Sigma.
|
