Six Sigma helps streamline processes by identifying root problems and eliminating them. The IT sector can immensely benefit from the approach which makes teams more agile and prepares them to optimize their offerings in tune with the voice of the customer.
The use of Six Sigma in IT management can have far-reaching consequences, as we shall explain in this article.
Understanding Six Sigma Principles
Six Sigma is a process improvement technique that helps bolster quality by reducing defects, i.e. bottlenecks. It helps manage quality and works to reduce variations in processes. Originating in Motorola, the technique rapidly expanded to other domains and is now used worldwide. Six Sigma has its origins in the statistical symbol Green sigma, which stands for standard deviation.
It helps companies with quality management through a well-defined series of steps. Six Sigma includes a DMAIC workflow which includes defining the problem, measuring the current state of processes, analyzing the data to discover problems, improving the processes, and controlling future iterations.
Another method employed in the Six Sigma approach is DMADV, where Six Sigma professionals define the goals, measure project state, analyze the project and create designs to improve processes and shortlist the best one, design and test processes, and finally verify the design.
Six Sigma in the IT Industry
Six Sigma is a set of tools and techniques which help businesses improve their processes. Six Sigma can improve reliability and speed of operations in the IT sector. The technique helps analyze setups in a consistent manner.
It often begins with a problem statement to understand the root issue and its causes. Six Sigma takes that as the input and works to eliminate the challenges in a systematic manner.
DMAIC is often used in conjunction with the voice of the customer (VOC). The goal is to understand customer pain points and develop specific solutions, even if they involve the use of existing systems to meet customer expectations.
When using Six Sigma, it is important to leverage the experience of professionals who are trained in the methodology. You might also need to train your internal workforce to prepare them for what lies ahead. It’s a delicate balance as excessive training can actually do more damage than good.
It’s All About Quality
Six Sigma is a time-tested methodology that works in diverse fields including in the IT sector. Teams should strive to be as agile as possible and understand customer pain points to address them in the best way possible.
Six Sigma uses the DMAIC methodology to first formulate a problem statement and understand the challenges at hand. Teams will then work to systematically eliminate problems and reduce defects in processes. This has a direct impact on improving quality, reducing costs, and bolstering efficiency. Six Sigma helps IT achieve higher customer satisfaction levels across the board.
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