Six Sigma notes
General concepts of continual improvement – the use of problem-solving techniques
and quick deployments to implement improvements, followed by the use of process
behavioral studies to maintain the gains.
Six sigma – collecting data, using that data to analyze and interpret what is
happening in the process so that it can be improved to satisfy the customer’s
requirements. Input-Transformation-Output.
Ishikawa Road Map
1. Determine the assurance unit. (what is to be measured)
2. Determine the measuring method. (how it will be measured).
3. Determine the relative importance of quality characteristics (is this the key to
our process?)
4. Arrive at consensus on defects and flaws (does everyone agree on good and
bad quality?)
5. Expose latent defects (look at the process over time)
6. Observe quality statistically (use process behavior charting)
7. Distinguish between “quality of design” and “quality of conformance”
(quality of design – set of specifications), (quality of conformance – how well
the product produced meet the required specifications)
Six Sigma Road Map
1. Recognize that variation exists in everything that we do; standardize your
work
2. Identify what the customer wants and needs. Reduce variation.
3. Use a problem-solving methodology to plan improvements.
4. Follow the DMAIC model to deploy the improvement.
5. Monitor the process using process behavior charts.
6. Update standard operating procedures and lessons learned.
7. Celebrate success
8. Start over for continual improvement.
Purpose of Lean
To reduce waste in the value stream – to provide customers with maximum value –
do more with less.
- Address all the weaknesses in the traditional business model and practices
and ensure that the organization is economically stable.
Value stream
The series of activities by an organization – order, design, produce and deliver
products and services.
1. The flow of materials
2. The transformation of raw materials
3. The flow of information
Applying lean thinking –
1. Walk the process – value chain diagram
2. Analyze all inventory notes with an eye toward reduction or elimination
- Storage space may be expensive. (storage conditions)
- Quality may deteriorate . (rust, spoilage)
- Design changes may be delayed as they work their way through the
inventory.
- Money sitting
- Quality problems
3. Analyze the entire value stream for wasteful steps.
