Six Sigma Tools For Process Control
Six Sigma Tools For Process Control
Six Sigma implementations aim at achieving near perfect production wherein the number of defects is substantially reduced. However, implementations are definitely not easy because they often require a major overhaul of existing business processes, which in turn requires extensive analysis and documentation.
Understanding The Six Sigma Pyramid
Six Sigma quality levels can be described with the help of a pyramid, wherein the base of the pyramid represents the current quality levels of a business. The aim is to move up the pyramid to make gradual improvements in the quality level such as sigma 1 to sigma 2, sigma 2 to sigma 3, and so on until the top quality level, “6″ Sigma, is achieved. Every stage or quality level requires the use specialized statistical tools, about which the certified implementation teams should have in-depth knowledge and expertise.
Some Basic Tools
Businesses aiming for achieving sigma 3 or sigma 4 quality levels need to utilize Six Sigma measurement, analysis, and documentation tools. These tools will help in measuring the current percentage of material wastage, which is usually in the range of 50 to 60 percent if the company’s existing quality level is sigma 1. At sigma 2 levels, the wastage is around 33 percent, which means that there is still plenty of scope for improvement. Once the level of wastage is identified with the help of these tools, the Six Sigma implementation team can then start making the necessary changes in processes to achieve the next quality level.
Industry Specific Tools
A use of a particular Six Sigma tool depends on the type of industry. For example, in industries having high volume transactions, it would be impossible to measure and analyze each transaction. As such, only those tools are used that are designed to identify high value transactions based on predetermined logical parameters. These tools will allow a business to give priority to the improvement of most vital processes that deal with high value transactions.
Such tools are necessary for ensuring the success of the implementation projects because higher quality levels cannot be achieved until and unless all the high value business processes are not utilized to their full potential. The full potential of a business process can only be realized when it reaches maximum optimization levels or achieves Six Sigma quality levels. All this can only be achieved by employing the right Six Sigma tools and techniques in the right business process.
For selecting the right tools, businesses need to opt for the expert advice of certified professionals. Although the tools are more or less the same used by engineers, supervisors, and other technicians, expert advice is still valued because it is only the Six Sigma professionals who know how to utilize the information generated through tools and techniques in a proper manner.
Kaj Ahlmann visits Google’s Mountain View, CA headquarters to talk about using SIx Sigma practices in wine making business. This event took place on September 10, 2009, as part of the Innovators@Google series. At Six Sigma Ranch, Vineyards and Winery, Kaj Ahlmann uses Six Sigma tools and practices to realize his vision of creating consistently great wines. From soil analysis, planting, farming and harvest to sorting, fermentation, storage and promotion, the Six Sigma approach enables Ahlmann to regulate the wine making and marketing processes by monitoring data and refining it every step of the way. Speaker Info: Kaj Ahlmann provides independent services related to reinsurance, insurance and asset management. He currently serves on the boards of Deutsche Bank Global Insurance Asset Management, Cyrus Re , the American Institute for CPCU, RLI Corporation, and Six Sigma Academy. Ahlmann served on the board of Erie Indemnity from 2003 to 2008. From 2001 to 2003, he was Chairman and CEO of Inreon, a global electronic reinsurance venture created by Munich Re, Swiss Re, Internet Capital Group, and Accenture. He was Vice Chairman and Executive Officer of EW Blanch Holdings from 1999 to 2001. From 1993 to 1999, he was Chairman, President and CEO of Employers Reinsurance and served as a director of the parent organization, GE Capital Services. Kaj and his wife purchased a 4300 acre ranch in Lake County, California in 2000 and named it Six Sigma Ranch. They celebrated the release of …
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