It was in the mid-80s that Six Sigma emerged as an innovative approach towards improving processes and reduce wastage in manufacturing sector. Today, with widespread adoption of Six Sigma across industry verticals, there are many professionals who are trained in various Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to achieve far better results and higher customer satisfaction levels
It was in 1985 that Bill Smith an Engineer who noticed a correlation of a product’s market performance with manufacturing adjustments
In 1987, he showcased this to the Motorola CEO Bob Galvin, and both developed a quality program known as Six Sigma which aimed to reach 3.4 DPMO (Defects per Million Opportunities) standard
It was in 1992 that it gained real attention with Motorola’s tangible results, and this led to the creation of Six Sigma research institute formed by Kodak, Digital, IBM, ABB, and Texas Instruments
HIn 1996, Jack Welch then took upon himself to promote Six Sigma in a big way with General Electric, and became one of the pioneers in promoting the methodology
By 2005, close to 53% of Fortune 500 companies and 82% of Fortune 100 companies have used Six Sigma to some extent
2010 saw close 53.4% of manufacturing companies using Six Sigma
1n 2011, 75% of quality improvement professionals across sectors started implementing Six Sigma
The first step here is to ‘understand and agreeing on what is the customer expectation with regards to cost, quality, and timelines of delivery. Then continuously improve those processes to exceed customer’s expectations.
As we all know how Lean concepts have seamlessly integrated with Six Sigma, now everybody use these methodologies together to achieve far better results.
GEMBAusually refers to a place where value is created in business; in manufacturing the GEMBA is the factory floor, whereas in services GEMBA is your work stations where business critical processes are carried out.
For any Six Sigma implementation to be a success, first you need to go and find the problem areas, and this comes to the fore only through your GEMBA walks. Then embrace scientific problem solving, focus on value streams, and lead with humility.
Defects
Inventory
Over Production
Processing
Waiting
Conveyance
Motion
White Belt |
Yellow Belt |
Green Belt |
Black Belt |
Master Black Belt |
---|---|---|---|---|
They have an understanding of overall application and the language used in process improvement | They are knowledgeable and contribute a lot to Six Sigma projects and management activities | They form an essential part of a Six Sigma project team in an organization and help implement process improvement techniques | They are at an advanced level in terms of knowledge gained and take up leadership and project manager role all mixed into one | They form an integral part of the organization who train, coach, strategize and take up training responsibilities |
DESIGN
OPERATIONS
IT
FINANCE
SUPPLY CHAIN
Did you know?
7% Improved accuracy in Freight Management
15% Increased Productivity
20% Saved by procuring Lean Manufacturing Equipment
30% of Shop Floor Savings
50% Reduction in Overhead Costs
60% Reduction in Time-to-Market (Products / Services)
75% Reduction in Inventory