What is 6 Sigma
”Sigma" is a statistical term
that measures how far a given process deviates from perfection. The
central idea behind 6 Sigma is that if you can measure how many
"defects" you have in a process, you can systematically figure out how
to eliminate them and get as close to "zero defects" as possible. The 6
Sigma methodology incorporates this data and statistical analysis into
a project-based workflow that allows businesses to make intelligent
decisions about where and how to incorporate improvements.
The DMAIC Model
At the heart of 6 Sigma is a systematic
method for analyzing and improving business process called DMAIC. The
DMAIC model includes:
Define
opportunities
Measure
performance
Analyze
opportunity
Improve
performance
Control
performance
It is therefore a highly disciplined
methodology and practice that provides the tools for a company to
achieve consistent, high-performance results from its products and
processes. It also has the advantage of utilizing only one methodology
which comprises all previous approaches and which can be extended to
the entire organization (Quality Insurance, Total Quality Management,
Deming Wheel, Zero Defects, Seven Wastages, Quality Circles, Kaizen,
Lean Production, etc.)
Why
Finmek adopts 6 Sigma
strategy?
In order to remain a world-class
quality company one focuses on three key qualities: process, customer
and employee. 6 Sigma, indeed, is a methodology adopted for this
purposes.
· It activates such mechanisms
that organizations can continuously and rapidly adequate themselves to
changes
·
it is a programme which promotes an organizational customer-oriented
change, aiming to the customer satisfaction at lowest costs
·
It approaches solving problems and waste reduction. It may be applied
to the production processes as well as the management ones (purchase,
engineering, sells, administration, etc)
·
It is a discipline which furthers staff participation enhancing their
expertise and responsibility.
The characteristics features
of 6 Sigma strategy
Top
Management Involvement
Top Management commitment is an essential requirement for the
programme's outcome; it should support projects, assign resources and
priorities, monitor development and quantify the result
Firm/Market
Interaction
Process criticalities and follow up priorities are fixed according to
the customer requirements' analysis
Economical
benefits
The systematic reduction of defects, wastes, cycle time,
inefficiencies, activities without added value, has a relevant impact
on profits and returns of investments
Involvement
of the Whole Firm
Six Sigma is a methodology applicable
to all firm divisions and processes and can produce maximum benefits in
the inter-functional processes
Education
An essential element for the programme
is the methodological education of involved staff to be gradually
extended to the entire firm
Suppliers
The programme implies close
communication between firm and suppliers and the involvement of the
major ones in "Comakership"
Feedback
Progresses, performances,
criticalities, customer satisfaction are constantly monitored and
checked through proper indicators (markers)