Six Sigma Methodology

Course: Name

Six Sigma Methodology

 Student’s Name

Instructor’s Name

Date: January 23, 2016

University

Introduction

        Six sigma is basically a set of tools and techniques that can be used to improve process and products. It can be used to improve already existing processes, products, and organizations or it can also be used to create a new, near perfect process, product or organization. Six sigma improves the quality of a process or products by identifying and removing causes of defects in the manufacturing process. (Chowdhury, 2001)

What is Six Sigma

        Six sigma seeks to dramatically improve the process and product quality by making sure that a few guidelines get followed exactly. These guidelines are different for different processes, products or organizations. To get these guidelines, the process of manufacturing is studied and analyzed to find out any defects in the process. Then the best and efficient solution is developed for each defect. When these solutions are applied, the process becomes defect free and hence becomes much improved.

Six Sigma Methodologies

        Six Sigma has two key methodologies:

                DMAIC: Define → Measure → Analyze → Improve → Control

It is a data-driven quality strategy for improving processes and products. This methodology best works in an existing business environment.

                DMADV: Define → Measure → Analyze → Design → Verify

It is a data-driven quality strategy that is used to create or design new processes or products. This methodology best work in an environment where a new process or product is developed. Such methodology results in a better, more predictable, mature, and defect-free performance of the new product or process.

There is another, a less used methodology called DFSS – Design for Six Sigma. This methodology is used to redesign existing products or processes from ground up to make them better and more efficient. (Kwak, 2006)

Six Sigma Projects and Activities

        There are many areas in which the Six Sigma methodology has proved itself to be good enough. One such example is a project in which the number of weld repairs in a pipeline project was to be reduced. Here, DMADV problem-solving technique was used. The team analyzed the areas through with the pipeline was to be passed. Reduced the number of bends to lowest possible. Analyzing the plans for pipeline project helped them come up with unique and innovative ideas to improve the whole project.