Six Sigma and DMAIC Methodology

By Craig Calvin

Most in the corporate world today have heard of Six Sigma, but fewer actually understand what it is and how it works. Six Sigma full spectrum of certification options can improve every aspect of how your business is run. It is done by implementing the five step process known as DMAIC.

1. Defining goals for business improvement. While most businesses start with a bona fide business plan, the truth is that their goals are really not clearly defined. This crucial step is the foundation upon which the company is to be built. The Six Sigma certification process teaches people to identify the true goals of the company.

2. Measure. Measuring the current procedures numerically includes isolating critical quality characteristics and analyzing ineffective processes. This base measurement will allow future comparisons to be made to gauge results.

3. Analyze the data to find root causes of both negative and positive effects. This is where the Minitab software used in the Six Sigma certification process can be so effective. Instead of hiring a statistician to compile results, a business can use any employee with Six Sigma certification to spearhead the process and apply the software to identify a company's strengths and weaknesses.

4. Improve the process based on your data. This can include trying changes on a small scale to measure their efficacy, then instituting the effective changes throughout the corporation. It can mean common sense analysis such as looking at a process and cutting wastes of time and materials. Six Sigma certification will teach your employees to streamline every conceivable aspect of your business, making it a profit driven machine with little or no wasted time and effort.

4. Control the process to make sure the eyes remain on the target. Deviations and deficiencies are corrected before they have a negative effect. Once processes are settled on, there's no reason to change them. Six Sigma certification will train your employees to keep a close eye on results by continuing to measure and analyze processes. This will keep your company on track and running efficiently. Now as difficult as this all may sound, you can know that Six Sigma training and DMAIC is a stimulating process. It can be the key for positive change that you've long been looking for. - 18099

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