Six Sigma Complete
Introduction
Six sigma entails a set of tools and techniques that can be used by organizations to streamline their production processes. At its core, the technique is fairly simple. Six sigma uses a data-driven approach to eliminate defects while at the same time increasing performance and profitability. It is worth noting that six sigma can be used in different kinds of settings. That is, it does not matter whether the tools are being used in a manufacturing or a business process. While the metrics may differ from process to process, the principle behind each process remains the same. The six sigma technique contains different tools that are used in the decision-making process. Each decision arrived at every section is used in the formulation of the right conclusion. One of the essential tools in the six sigma technique is the basic project information. Other equally important sections within the six sigma technique include the measurement section, analysis section, and control plan section. This essay will examine the different sections of a six sigma technique and how it can be used to solve a manufacturing problem.
Define section
Basic Project Information
The defined section of six sigma attempts to answer the questions who, what, when, and why with regards to the project. This section consists of basic project information such as project title, project ID, and start date, estimated completion date, project leader, project champion, project manager, mentor, financial manager, and team members. Every member of the team plays a unique but vital role in the success of the project. For example, the role of the financial manager is to provide an unbiased opinion regarding the quality of the project (QuikSigma, 2014). A mentor on the other hand is needed to offer technical support. According to the narrator, the start date and estimated completion date ensures that the project is confined within a fixed time-frame (QuikSigma, 2014). Therefore, the basic project information section outlines the individuals that will carry out the project.
Business case
The business case section answers the question of why the project should be conducted. That is, why does the project make a business sense? In trying to answer this question, the team must outline the financial implication of the project. For example, the narrator argues that defective welds were costing the company around half a billion dollars every year (QuikSigma, 2014). As such, reducing the number of defective welds to a standard number would save the company $500,000 per year. Aside from cost reduction, teams may also use a business case to show the profitability of a project. Therefore, a business case tends to justify a project from a financial perspective.
Smart Objectives
This section focuses on when the project will be completed. Smart objectives consist of both the main objective and site conditions. While the main objective attempts to solve the defects within the shortest time possible, the quality of the project should not be compromised. For example, it may sound natural to increase shift-time when trying to solve a defect. In this case, it is important to keep in mind that the metal and physical health of workers is of even greater importance. The smart objective of any given project should never focus on certain goals while overlooking others. From the example, the narrator points out that both weld strength and workers’ safety are listed along with the main objective (QuikSigma, 2014). Smart objectives are therefore vital when specifying the timeline of a project.
Scope and Key Metrics
The scope of the project tries to answer the question of what with regards to the project. That is, what will the project cover? Will the project address every issue within the company or will it focus on specific areas? The scope of the project will depend on the kind of problem it is trying to solve. The example used by the narrator only focuses on Elbonian day shift workers (QuikSigma, 2014). The section also contains key metrics that are important to the project. These metrics include baseline, goal, entitlement, and operational definition. While conducting the project, the team will move from the baseline towards the goal. Operation definition explains the terms used in the project. For example, the narrator states that defective welds are those that need to be reworked because they have failed strength tests (QuikSigma, 2014).
Measurement System Analysis (MSA)
Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (GRR)
In addition to the definition section, six sigma also contains the MSA section. The narrator indicates that this section is used to test the precision of a given measurement device. Several MSA tools are available in this section (QuikSigma, 2014). These include Gauge Repeatability and Reproducibility (GRR), Kappa, and MSA Already complete. According to the narrator, GRR is used when the data available is in the form of either interval or ratio (QuikSigma, 2014). The tool tends to detect the rate at which the same answer can be attained. Additionally, the effect of more than one person performing the measurement is also analyzed. This tool is often not used because it’s costly and time-consuming.
MSA Already Complete
Finally, MSA Already Complete can be used when there is no need for analysis. This may be the case if the data being used has already been analyzed. The narrator points out that the tool can be used when measuring elapsed time based on the system clock in the database (QuikSigma, 2014). In this case, the team should input the details of the completed MSA.
Analyze Section
After MSA, the data is analyzed using cause & effect matrix and failure mode & effect analysis. Weights are assigned to key process input variables (KPIVs). Click calculate to get the scores of different input variables. The variables with higher scores need to be studied further using the failure mode & effect analysis (QuikSigma, 2014). Here, potential failure, the effect of failure, the occurrence of failure, and suggested action are outlined. For example, the example used determines that the high number of defective welds was as a result of the time difference between preparing surface and welding (QuikSigma, 2014). A control plan can then be formulated to prevent the defect from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
Six sigma tools provide an effective way of solving problems within an organization. The technique contains five sections that perform different functions. For example, the define section details the information about a project. This information may include the team that will carry out the project, the business case, and the scope of the project. Other equally essential sections of a six sigma tool include measure, analyze, improve, and control. GRR, Kappa or MSA Already complete ca be performed in the Measure section. The data can then be analyzed using a process control chart to determine the capability of the process. When the cause of the problem is found, a control plan should be deployed to ensure that the problem does not occur in the future.
Reference
QuikSigma (2014). “Six Sigma Complete Project Example HD.” Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zvmn_xgTzJY