Six Sigma Storyboards

Six Sigma storyboards are a quick, visual depiction of a process or a sequence of events. Similarly, a Six Sigma storyboard is also used to depict the progress and the improvements made by the process improvement project. It also illustrates the different tools used in various stages to define, analyze, and improve the process problem. In a nutshell, Six Sigma storyboards depicts the story of the project. Six Sigma storyboards are created and maintained by the project team during the course of the project. It is imperative that the storyboard gets updated on a regular basis to depict all the developments in the project. It is a good idea to display the storyboard permanently so that it is visible to all the project team members at all times. The Six Sigma storyboard should be easy to interpret and understandable not only by the project team but also the management and project management stakeholders.

How Do You Create Six Sigma Storyboards?

A Six Sigma storyboard is typically based on the DMAIC methodology with each step: Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control included in that order. The storyboard can have one or more chapters comprising pages devoted to each stage of DMAIC process. The language used in the storyboard should be simple and clear.

You should also ensure that a flow is maintained when you move from one page to the other and from one chapter to the next. The tools used during each stage and the outcome of using the tool should be clearly indicated in the storyboards. There should be an extensive usage of diagrams and visuals. The storyboard should convey all the steps taken to complete the Six Sigma improvement process.

Six Sigma storyboards should also lay emphasis on the key takeaways such as, issues, project risks, and learnings. It should be a live document which evolves at each of the steps in Six Sigma methodology process.

What are the Key Functions of a Six Sigma Storyboard?

These are listed below as:

1. It serves as a useful tool to educate others in the organization about Six Sigma methodology. Typically people interested in learning about Six Sigma get theoretical knowledge of what is Lean Six Sigma? through loads of study material. However, the Six Sigma storyboards provide a real-life example of the application of Six Sigma methodology to improve process within the organization.
2. The Six Sigma storyboard acts as a project tracker. It helps in reporting the status of the project to the management and key stakeholders. During periodic project status review meetings, the Six Sigma storyboard serves as a presentation medium to apprise the quality leaders about the progress that has been made since the last meeting.
3. In certain organizations, a Six Sigma storyboard is a necessary deliverable at the end of the project to attain Six Sigma certification. The storyboard not only depicts the different stages and tools used during each stage of the Six Sigma methodology, it also represents the team members’ understanding and grasp in being able to define Six Sigma and it’s logic.
4. The Six Sigma storyboard also serves as a useful tool to educate the management about the problems being faced, the root cause for the problems, the suggested alternatives and the ways of implementing the improvements. This is specifically important as major changes in an organization cannot be driven without a buy-in from the top management.

Six Sigma Storyboards - Tip

As your Six Sigma storyboard will be used as a presentation tool for depicting the progress and achievements of your process improvement project, it is advisable that the language that you use is crisp and concise. You should also utilize loads of graphics and visual diagrams to increase interest and drive your point home.

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