Six Sigma is a set of specific techniques and procedures that are used to increase the quality of a product or service. Originally developed by Motorola, this methodology has since spread to a variety of industries and companies big and small. There are many aspects of this method that are applicable beyond just manufacturing. This article will go over Six Sigma principles and how they can be applied to quality control outside the realm of industrial manufacturing.
Six sigma quality is a methodology, not an organization or a software package. It's used to improve processes by reducing variation, which translates into fewer defects and higher quality products and services. The term comes from statistics and indicates that 99.99966% of all manufactured items can be expected to meet the desired specifications. This level of perfection is extremely difficult to achieve, but not impossible with proper training and implementation of the right tools and techniques. Six sigma method aims to reduce normal variation by identifying and removing the causes of defects through a series of steps: planning, data collection and analysis, implementation of corrective actions, and verification.
The Six Sigma approach is based on the following principles:
1. The creation of a structure that defines people's roles, responsibilities, and authority.
2. A focus on data-driven decision making - rather than relying on intuition or judgment alone.
3. Managing and improving the process flow. Identifying and prioritizing steps in your processes.
4. The use of statistical techniques to identify and reduce variation in a process (i.e., the definition of a "good" outcome).
5. An emphasis on measurement and analysis in order to understand how processes actually work - and how they can be improved.
6. Involve and equip others through collaboration, such as creating teams in the process.
The Six Sigma philosophy is based on the DMAIC or DMADV models.
DMAIC stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. The Define stage involves defining the goal of the project and identifying the customers' needs. The Measure stage involves gathering data about how well you are currently meeting those needs. The Analyze stage involves using statistical techniques to analyze the results of your measurements to determine whether they are acceptable or not. If they are not acceptable, then you need to come up with solutions during the Improve stage so that they become acceptable. Once these solutions have been implemented during the Control stage, you should keep monitoring them to ensure that they continue to meet customer requirements.
DMADV, also known as the Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Design, and Verify. Define stage identifies and clarifies customer needs, product features, and functions, as well as performance requirements. The next stage Measure involves collecting process data to identify the characteristics of variation in a process that affect quality. Analyze stage uses statistics to understand the causes of variation in a process that affect quality. During the design period, a company has to make changes to fix the problems identified in Measure and Analyze. And finally, Verify - implement and evaluate proposed changes to verify their effectiveness.
Six sigma methodology, when effectively implemented, can go a long way in improving quality control and development processes. Its framework lowers costs and streamlines operations which can give any organization a competitive advantage. This methodology includes a detailed investigation of the "voice of the customer," the actual users who buy your product or service. It provides a whole new perspective on not only how you look at your product line and quality control, but also your business operations in general. For more useful articles check out our blog https://www.gqc.io/blog
