Six Sigma Project Management Software

The goal of Six Sigma is to significantly improve manufacturing processes by identifying and eliminating product defects while improving product quality. Organizations use a sigma rating to demonstrate the percentage of defect-free products.

A Six Sigma process would show that 99.99966% of manufactured products have no flaws. Manufacturing processes where the Six Sigma method is applied result in approximately 3.4 defects per million products.

Any organization's main objective is to enhance processes while increasing profit. Six Sigma techniques and tools help reduce costs and eliminate errors while improving customer satisfaction. Software can make the process of instituting Six Sigma techniques easier.

The Six Sigma methodology defines a problem first, measures it, uses data to identify a root cause, then implements a solution. Manufacturers then continue to control improved operations to prevent the recurrence of issues.

The project management methodology uses work breakdown analysis, schedule development, risk analysis, scope definition, and cost budgeting to execute projects.
Combining Six Sigma's troubleshooting and project management's process control strengths create a consistent, controlled, predictable process troubleshooting system.
Project managers can use Six Sigma tools such as FMEA, Gage R&R, and control plans in the validation phase. Project management processes such as budgeting, production scheduling, and resource management help ease informed decision-making.

In addition to understanding Six Sigma, organizations need a strategy. The first stages in a project are to establish a common goal to minimize product flaws and define objectives for excellence. There are various Six Sigma standards from white belt to green belt to master black belt.

Standardizing processes to achieve Six Sigma excellence enables employees to focus on reducing the standardization within individual projects. Standardizing a unified approach reduces project execution times and encourages a team-focused culture.

Mapping out a plan helps keep quality programs focused. During this stage teams need to be identified and processes scheduled.

Although Six Sigma and Project Management have similarities, there are also differences. They are both implemented by teams working in different departments and have multiple phases involving project planning.

Difference in Methodologies

However, project management and six sigma methods are also different. Six Sigma follows DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control) phases, while project management follows initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, and closing phases.

Six Sigma requires a commitment to the process from project teams. At the start, teams need to work together to develop a charter with project objectives, then set milestones for improvement. In the final stages, teams create documentation that explains how to maintain improvements in the long term.

Project Management Vs Six Sigma

Project management focuses on getting a project off the ground instead of refining process performance. It uses the critical path method to ensure that projects are completed efficiently. It is also more effective at providing a one-time implementation rather than continuously improving existing processes.

Project management lacks the tools to measure performance and apply solutions for continuous improvement. Instead, project management evaluates the different components of a project's performance.

Manufacturing companies use Six Sigma to eliminate waste within production processes. Six Sigma tools are techniques and methods that support making changes to processes. If used well, Six Sigma tools can minimize waste, boost productivity, and increase profit.

Many companies apply a Kanban two-card system. T-Kanban transport cards inform employees when containers need to be moved to the next stage of the production line. P-Kanban cards provide a fixed quantity of products or parts that a work station must produce. One of the main goals of Kanban is to limit a pile up of excess inventory

Pareto charts visually represent the Pareto principle. That’s 20 percent of input yields 80 percent of output. They include a vertical bar chart and a line chart. The bar chart shows various metrics of process components. The line chart shows the cumulative sum of all metrics.

Business process mapping visualizes business processes. A map usually outlines roles, responsibilities, and standards in a manufacturing process. It shows data in a structured way, the stages involved, who is responsible, inputs and outputs, and other information. By visualizing a complete process, it is easier to specify root causes of issues.

There are several stages involved in implementing a Six Sigma Project. Some of the main ones are included below.

Gaining Strategic Management Support

The main starting point is to gain support from strategic management. Everyone must participate, understand the need for improvement, and commit to actively embracing change in a product or service. Implementing Lean Six Sigma needs to be integral to an organization's strategic goals.

The steps needed to implement Six Sigma include raising awareness, establishing responsibilities, and focusing on value-added activities for customers. Once defined, it must be measured against existing systems to identify opportunities for improvement.

Greg Jacobson, CEO of KaiNexus, identifies 6 Critical Features of a Best-in-Class Lean Management System which includes:

A way for employees to suggest opportunities for improvement whenever they see them. A digital whiteboard for daily meetings, scorecards for improvement, increased access to information, and real-time alerts and notifications.

Alpha Software’s Gemba Walk Solution

Alpha Software’s Gemba Walk app helps senior management gain insights into manufacturing processes. Its features include audio recording for notes, image capture, with annotation, signature capture, offline functionality, and other drag and drop features.

Alpha’s Gemba Walk app provides access to digital data, and the ability for employees to suggest improvements. Plus users can receive real-time alerts and work collaboratively online or offline.

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