Six sigma is a series of phases/ methodologies used to analyze the root causes of the problem, eliminate defects/errors and make sure the given solutions are sustained for a long period. It identifies the error that lacks the process and keeps only value-added steps, thereby it is utilized by the manufacturing industry to ensure high quality and customer satisfaction. The most common technique is DMAIC, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.

Six Sigma – Overview

Six Sigma was developed in the early 1980’s by Motorola and Bill Smith, based on Quality Management Fundamentals. The aim of this quality control system was to improve the manufacturing process by eliminating the defects found. It’s reported that half of the 500 fortune companies adopted this methodology by the end of the 20th century. The application of Sig Sigma is now extended to a range of industries across the world and helps business processes to be much more effective with its statistical methods. It helps the organization with its structured method to fix the chronic and complex problems as well.

Six Sigma in the Manufacturing Industry

Starting from people, machinery to administration, Six Sigma has changed every aspect of the manufacturing industry. It is a type of quality control and was designed to improve manufacturing in large scale industries and help the industry and the employees in a better understanding of the manufacturing processes. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Training for the manufacturing industry helps the companies improve business efficiency and productivity. Companies performing the Six Sigma approach can able to solve the challenges in the operation environment which ensures a safe atmosphere to work. The main objective of this approach is to identify and rework on the defects, improve and control the quality of work.

Six sigma approach is imperative for all organizations, especially the manufacturing industry, to determine the projects that best fit their business goals and to attaining long term and sustained results. Once the goal is determined, organizations use the following methodologies,

  • Measure: In order to identify the benchmark or baseline organizations measure the existing system.
  • Analyze: Identifies the root cause and steps to eliminate the defects using statistical analysis.
  • Improve: Organizations develop a plan of action to outlining the optimal solutions for improving goal.
  • Control: The control over policies, instructions and procedures to prevent future defects.

Benefits of Six Sigma in the Manufacturing Industry

Improves customer satisfaction

Adapting to Six Sigma and implementing the tools helps in achieving the goals at a faster pace thus improves the integrity of the company as a whole. It helps in detecting the defective elements, which could highly save time and cost as well. The fewer defects in the product, the more customer gets satisfied.

Improves productivity

As the Six Sigma approach improves the quality of work, it motivates the employees to be highly engaged in their work. As a result, the organizations could improve productivity and expect faster growth of the company.

Improve planning and execution

The tools can be implemented to eliminate all the complexities and reduce the manufacturing costs. It also helps in the SWOT preparation, which lets the organization know their Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats and identify the quality they possess.

Reduce errors

Six Sigma helps organizations identify and eliminate the errors that arise during procurement, manufacturing and supply. Thus it directly involves ad influences the productivity of the company.

Speed up production

Sig Sigma principles help the organizations to find the easiest way to manufacture in a short span. This means it lowers manufacturing cycle time and results in faster delivery. Thereby preserves customer relationship before it becomes strained.

Organizations around the world are striving to adopt Six Sigma tools and techniques as they become popular. In fact, Six Sigma is recognized by many organizations as the most probable way to reach their goals and vision.