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CONTROL PHASE

By Drive, Inc. on Tuesday 15 December 2009.

Last month, we focused on the “I” in the DMAIC cycle for Six Sigma. We discussed the processes and tools used to IMPROVE the output performance of the process. In this issue, we will focus on the “C” in the DMAIC cycle, which is the CONTROL phase. In this phase our goal is to ensure the problem stays fixed and make certain that the new methods can be further improved over time. Have you ever ‘fixed’ a problem only to see it surface again just a few months later? We observe that the lack of sustainment of improvements (including the lack of permanent corrective actions to problems) is the number one inhibitor to DMAIC success.

IMPROVE PHASE

By Drive, Inc. on Saturday 14 November 2009.

Last month, we focused on the “A” in the DMAIC cycle for Six Sigma. We discussed the processes and tools used to ANALYZE the output performance of the process. This month, we will focus on the “I” in the DMAIC cycle, which is the IMPROVE phase. In this phase, we should now be ready to develop, implement, and evaluate solutions targeted at our VERIFIED cause. The goal is to demonstrate, with data, that our solutions solve the problem and lead to an improvement. We must VERIFY the effectiveness of the solution. Failing to VERIFY the effectiveness will lead to false hope and busy work trying to maintain the improvement.

ANALYZE PHASE

By Drive, Inc. on Thursday 15 October 2009.

In the previous issue in this series, we focused on the “M” in the DMAIC cycle for Six Sigma. We discussed the processes and tools used to MEAURE the output performance of the process. This month, we will focus on the “A” in the DMAIC cycle, which is the ANALYZE phase. In this phase, we will develop theories of root causes, confirm the theories with data, and finally identify the true root cause(s) of the problem. The true root cause(s) will form the basis for solutions in the next phase of the DMAIC cycle, which is the IMPROVE phase covered in our next newsletter.

MEASUREMENT PHASE

By Drive, Inc. on Tuesday 15 September 2009.

Last issue, we focused on the “D” in the DMAIC cycle for Six Sigma. We discussed the processes and tools used to DEFINE the project. This month, we will focus on the “M” in the DMAIC cycle, which is the MEASURE phase. In this phase, we discuss the process and tools used to pin point the location or source of deviation. By doing this, we will build a factual understanding of the existing process condition and problems. The knowledge gained in this phase will help the team narrow a range of potential causes that need to be investigated in the ANALYZE phase, which we will cover in next month’s newsletter. Although the intent of this newsletter is not to completely teach you how to perform the MEASURE phase, it can get you started in the right direction. As you know, the complete process of Six Sigma is very data intensive; therefore, this newsletter series on Six Sigma creates a guided introduction and does not cover the topic entirely.

DEFINE PHASE

By Drive, Inc. on Saturday 15 August 2009.

In the last newsletter we discussed the phases of Six Sigma. There are 5 phases in the Six Sigma problem solving process. Each phase is very important to the overall success of the project. This month we will dive into the first phase of the Six Sigma process, which is called the DEFINE phase.

Six Sigma Basics

By Drive, Inc. on Wednesday 15 July 2009.

Six-Sigma is a problem solving methodology that synergizes well with any Lean enterprise initiative. In some companies, the term “Lean Six Sigma” is used instead of separating the two methodologies, since they complement each other in their objectives. Lean is a system to eliminate waste, unevenness and overburden by identifying and solving problems utilizing people. Six-Sigma can be the methodology that is used to identify key problems, validate root cause, and solve the problem properly and permanently using statistical tools.

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