Six Sigma Projects

Six Sigma projects improve processes and reduces defects by adopting the Six Sigma methodology. One of the most important factors that contribute towards the growth of an organization is the quality of its end product or service. Quality of a product or service always leaves a lasting impression on the consumer’s mind. More and more organizations are therefore opting for Six Sigma which in turn leads to the execution of a number of Six Sigma projects to improve quality and standardize processes.

So what exactly is a Six Sigma project?

1.0 Phases of Six Sigma Projects

Six Sigma projects follow the DMAIC philosophy. The main steps in Six Sigma methodology are:

• Define
• Measure
• Analyze
• Improve
• Control

2.0 Benefits of a Six Sigma Project

Well, as already discussed, the primary focus areas for a Six Sigma project are:

2.1 Reducing the Number of Defects

Six Sigma projects typically focus on reducing defects and getting things ‘first time right’. This in turn saves a lot of time, effort, and project budget which would have otherwise been spent on rectifying defects.

2.2 Increasing Customer Loyalty

Six Sigma projects strive towards delivering a near zero defect product to the end customer. The focus is on meeting the customer business requirements documentation and needs. Customer loyalty is obviously the outcome of delivering a flawless end product.

2.3 Adopting a Customer-Centric Approach

Six Sigma projects aim at reducing defects and thereby improving the quality of product delivered to the customer. Pleasing the customers is the primary driving force behind a Six Sigma project.

2.4 Reducing the Project Life Cycle

The Six Sigma methodology focuses on doing things ‘first time right’. This automatically saves time in refining the defects that are normally produced and hence the project management life cycle normally expected in a delivery like this.

2.5 Cost Savings

A Six Sigma project aims at improving the processes thereby resulting in massive savings for the organization. Cost saving is achieved by less rework, faster cycle time, and less of wastage.

3.0 Six Sigma Project Selection

Now that you are aware of the key steps and benefits of a Six Sigma project, let’s us learn about the key guidelines for selecting a Six Sigma project.

When selecting a Six Sigma project, you should keep the following guidelines in mind:

• You should always select a problem area for which you do not know the solution. Six Sigma projects will help you reach a solution for the problem area.
• Effective measures for deploying the Six Sigma project outcome should be taken otherwise the very purpose of executing Six Sigma projects would be defeated.
• Once a Six Sigma project has been completed and deployed, it is imperative to conduct regular health checkups for the improved process.

Six Sigma Projects - Tip

While selecting a Six Sigma project, you should spend sufficient time in researching and analyzing the benefits of your project to the organization in monetary terms. If a thorough analysis is not done right at the beginning, there is a strong possibility that you execute a successful project with major improvisation in quality and productivity but without any impact on the net profit.

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