How to Know When to Use Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a great process improvement methodology for solving efficiency and effectiveness problems. The process is rigorous, detailed, and time-consuming. There may be times when "quality gets in the way" and you do not need to step through all five phases of Six Sigma to reach your goals. Here's how to know the difference.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Certification in, or a detailed understanding of, the Six Sigma process improvement methodology
• A potential project

1. Draw up a project charter. Review sections using the following questions.

2. Review the problem statement. Does there seem to be too simple of a problem?

3. Review the time line. Is there enough time to do a full-scale Six Sigma project?

4. Data-gathering. If there is little or no data to gather, you may not need to, or be able to, do a Six Sigma project.

5. Do most on the project team see a viable and fast solution?

6. Is the cost benefit negative for doing the project? Will more resources be spent on doing a full-scale DMAIC project than the results expected?

7. Once you have addressed these questions, you will be able to make a determination as to whether you should proceed with a Six Sigma project.

Tips & Warnings

• Learning this skill will give you greater control over project resources and portfolio management.
• Be careful to not jump to a quick solution. Thoughtful review is required.

Resources

• Six Sigma reference site