The Lean Six Sigma methodology is implemented to significantly improve business processes. There is an in-depth focus on reducing and eventually eliminating waste and inefficiency. Eradicating problems and improving working conditions creates a more effective work environment and offers more precise responses toward meeting the needs of customers. But for this to happen, Selecting Successful Six Sigma Projects is the first step.
Understanding the criteria to assess the cost of a project to an organization in all capacities could be the difference between a profitable success and a draining loss. With 70% of organizations suffering project failure at least once over their last year of activity, reassessing the criteria for the selection process is necessary.
Introduction
The Lean Six Sigma framework is designed to phase out problems and reduce waste within the production process and inefficiency. It combines two of the strongest business methods to achieve maximum benefits for the organization; Lean principles (that focus on creating products and services using only what the production process requires) and Six Sigma (a method that focuses on increasing production efficiently and effectively).
In order to understand the value of selecting projects that is Lean Six Sigma positive, the organization should introduce change in terms of;
- Tools and Techniques – Maximising production through enhancing tools and production techniques that eradicate the waste during the process
- Process and Methodology – Equipping staff with production solving techniques and understanding the root of problems and tackling them from the ground up
- Mindset and Culture – Editing ground-level processing capabilities to build a strong foundation that centers around bettering the organization as a whole
Parameters for Selecting Successful Six Sigma Projects
The project selection within an organization is not only critical but difficult to execute to consistent success. While being able to identify a host of prospective opportunities is common, streamlining down to meaningful projects must include a well-defined framework. The benefits of undertaking a successful lean six sigma project revolve around three key steps;
Having a Project Selection Committee
The feasibility study must be conducted by Lean Six Sigma trained and certified employees. The team commonly referred to as “Six Sigma Champions”, includes a manager, deployment champions, master black belts, and black belts. These employees bring an abundance of knowledge and adaptation abilities that allow them to carefully assess the value creation of executing projects.
Generating Project Ideas
Conducting a similar analysis to the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) allows organizations to understand the practical undertaking of the prospective project. In order to generate viable Lean Six Sigma projects, businesses identify possible impacts on not only the organization but employees, customers, and other stakeholders.
Project Champions flow through a series of questions recognizing the impact on:
- Defect Reduction:
- Was the waste created during the production process?
- Were all produced items in line with the desired output specifications?
- In the production of higher volumes, what has to be reworked to accommodate the output?
- Is there any degree of variation in the output produced?
- Cycle Time Reduction:
- Do any processes include multiple handovers between individuals to be completed?
- Does the production process satisfy expectations?
- Does the production process entail employees working beyond working hours?
- Does the lag of mechanized elements significantly affect the production process?
- Resource Consumption Reduction:
- Does the production process include materials of varying qualities?
- How much labor is required to process parts of the production process?
Through this questioning process, a “Lean Six Sigma Project Tile” can be created. The tile includes a problem/need statement that defines the problem and the outcomes specific to the problem created. Vague statements are discouraged.
The current process impact is the second tile. It consists of quantifiable data and statistics that outline the current process and the results of the same. The third tile follows the Six Sigma Objective benefit. This tile explains the objective of the product with reference to utilizing six sigma. The positive outcomes of the organization are explained in detail.
Finally, the fourth tile covers deliverables and milestones. A timeline is established covering in detail the time in months and the expected phases of project completion. Key drivers to accomplish every phase are retailed in line with effective project completion.
Assess and Prioritize Projects using a Project Selection Matrix
While conducting the internal project selection, all identified prospects are reviewed together to determine the most seamless integration possibility and possible benefits. Ongoing projects are simultaneously reassessed and in the process ranked according to a selection matrix.
All projects are identified and numbered and ranked according to questions listed within project characteristics e.g. the likelihood of a project being completed within six months or whether a project would result in the development of quality improvement. When all projects are ranked, an overall pattern of success will reveal itself allowing for companies to decide their trajectory.
An assessment as to whether the project is also feasible to tackle utilizing DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) is additionally conducted.
Final Thoughts
Value mapping is an important tool to understand how a business could potentially operate with better processes internally and as a result build more efficient results. At the end of the Lean Six Sigma assessment, companies are able to segregate and prioritize. The clear path of implementation reduces prospective risks and allows organizations to thrive when implemented successfully.
Lean Six Sigma Positive projects have a 99.97% rate of success when implemented correctly and thoroughly. Business organizations now have an opportunity to put a granular understanding of their company through a building process to create results that are not only desirable but also sustainable.
The Lean Six Sigma criteria involve a rigorous streamlining process. The intention is to maximize business resources and the overall performance of the development and execution process. Understanding the selection process for successful Lean Six Sigma projects involves putting together a strong team of well-trained individuals in some of the popular Quality Management Certification Training programs to incorporate new and innovative practices. Incorporating the Lean Six Sigma methods could only lead to long-term success.
Some of the popular Quality Management Certification courses that individuals and enterprise team members can take up are:
