Logistics and Transportation Archives - 6sigma https://6sigma.com/category/logistics-and-transportation/ Six Sigma Certification and Training Wed, 29 Sep 2021 08:26:43 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://6sigma.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/cropped-favicon-blue-68x68.png Logistics and Transportation Archives - 6sigma https://6sigma.com/category/logistics-and-transportation/ 32 32 Lean or Six Sigma? Which is Which? https://6sigma.com/lean-six-sigma-which-is-which/ https://6sigma.com/lean-six-sigma-which-is-which/#respond Wed, 05 Apr 2017 11:15:11 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20917 Do you know your Lean from your Six Sigma? How about your PDCA vs. DMAIC? If not, then today’s article will provide you with everything you need to know! We look at the fundamental differences between Lean principles and Six Sigma methodology. We also look at the different focuses, tools, and techniques of each. So […]

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Do you know your Lean from your Six Sigma? How about your PDCA vs. DMAIC? If not, then today’s article will provide you with everything you need to know! We look at the fundamental differences between Lean principles and Six Sigma methodology. We also look at the different focuses, tools, and techniques of each. So join us as we ask, Lean or Six Sigma? Which is which?

 

What Does Lean Focus On?

 

Lean focuses on reducing the eight types of waste (Muda).  Defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, waste from transportation, inventory waste, waste from motion, unnecessary processing. Additionally, Lean principles aim to reduce waste by identifying and eliminating it. Lean also improves production by maximizing flow and identifying non-value-adding steps you should remove. Anything that does not add value for the customer is a potential threat to production. As such, Lean uses a holistic approach that aims to build a culture of continuous improvement and in-depth analysis.

 

Lean Principles, Tools, and Techniques

 

  • PDCA. Standing for Plan, Do, Check, Act, PDCA is a rapid cycle-based strategy used to drive process improvement.

 

  • 5S is a 5-step method for creating and maintaining an intuitive and efficient workplace. The 5 Ss stand for Sort, Set In Order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain.

 

  • 8 Types of Waste. Lean aims to eliminate the eight waste types: defects, overproduction, waiting, non-utilized talent, waste from transportation, inventory waste, waste from motion, and unnecessary

 

  • Value Stream Maps. VSMs are a visual method for displaying the key process steps in production.

 

  • Flow is the unhindered movement of a process.

 

  • Pull describes how customer demand is used to dictate process flow, i.e. what the customer wants, or might want, determines what a company produces.

 

What does Six Sigma Focus On?

 

Six Sigma and Lean share many similarities. As such, they complement each other very well. However, Six Sigma focuses primarily on reducing variation, just one of the seven types of waste Lean tackles. Six Sigma is used to complete improvement projects, aimed at solving process issues. It is also highly data-oriented, involving validation of hypotheses using statistics. Six Sigma knowledge is classified using a belt-based hierarchy styled on martial arts (Yellow, Green, Black, and Master Black Belt). The higher the belt, the more adept you are at using Six Sigma. Furthermore, one of Six Sigma’s primary tools is a 5-step method with which to complete improvement projects.

 

Six Sigma Ideas, Tools, and Techniques

 

  • DMAIC. This 5-step method uses the following steps, Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control to improve production processes. Furthermore, DMAIC also allows you to identify the problem and develop creative solutions through deep analysis.

 

  • Project Charter. Six Sigma uses a single-page document to outline the process issue, project goal, scope, and a timeline. Moreover, the charter forms an essential framework for the trajectory of an improvement project.

 

  • Pareto Chart. Pareto Charts display information about potential causes of process issues in a cascading bar chart format. Additionally, you should also organize problems from largest to smallest.

 

  • Hypothesis Testing. Hypothesis Testing is a way of providing statistical precision to root causes of process problems, so you can make the best decisions.

 

  • Design of Experiments. Methods of controlled testing, with which to assess how efficient processes are. DoE also allows you to select the best conditions, materials, and methods for each.

 

  • Statistical Process Control. SPC enables you to monitor your processes, ensuring they consistently satisfy customer demand.

 

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Skills Six Sigma Black Belts Need to Survive (and Thrive) https://6sigma.com/20792-2/ https://6sigma.com/20792-2/#respond Wed, 22 Mar 2017 19:51:19 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20792 Like most certification programs, Six Sigma has a natural rank in the order of levels, known as “belts”. Beginning with White Belt, Six Sigma professionals will enhance their knowledge and skills concerning the business process improvement. Over time, they will advance to higher levels, such as Green Belt, Master Black Belt, or even Champion. However, […]

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Like most certification programs, Six Sigma has a natural rank in the order of levels, known as “belts”. Beginning with White Belt, Six Sigma professionals will enhance their knowledge and skills concerning the business process improvement. Over time, they will advance to higher levels, such as Green Belt, Master Black Belt, or even Champion. However, most will reap the most benefits at the Black Belt level. At this certification, Six Sigma employees have the skills needed to manage a variety of projects with room to improve. Additionally, Six Sigma Black Belts are qualified to train other employees on the methodology, improving the corporation’s overall function. In this article, we will discuss the skills a Six Sigma Black Belt needs to survive and thrive in the workplace.

First, Leadership.

Above everything else, a Six Sigma Black Belts should be naturally born leaders. Employers will look to their Black Belt employees for guidance and motivation. Especially so during times of reorganization, project management, and other corporate restructures. Like any good leader, Six Sigma Black Belts have natural motivation. They want to push through dilemmas and find the best immediate result for the business process at hand. 

Second, Communication.

Although not first, communication is also key to the skillset needed for Six Sigma Black Belts. Whether you’re communicating with your employer and staff team, or between your supplier and a customer, effective communication is a must in the world of Six Sigma. Complementing the trait of a natural leader, Black Belts must exert an advanced skill with communication, speaking to multiple audiences at any time. Communication is vital to the success of business process improvements across the board!

Third, Technical Understanding.

Like other certification levels in Six Sigma, Black Belts are expected to understand the fundamentals of the methodology. However, what separates Black Belts from lower certification levels is their ability to recognize and understand when to use said fundamentals. While a technical or engineering degree is beneficial, most Six Sigma Black Belts will understand the need for thorough comprehension of the methodology and where implementation is necessary.

Last, Trust.

A team is only as effective as the weakest link, and this saying resonates within Six Sigma. Whether improving a business process efficiency or decreasing waste output, employees need a strong leader who will guide them towards the right goal. A Six Sigma Black Belt should practice trustworthy characteristics, promoting the integrity of the entire production or manufacturing team. In order to do this, employees must have trust in their leader. Complementing the first skill Black Belts must have to succeed, trust is equally important. When a team of employees does not trust the initiative of their leaders, progress cannot be made. In contrast, when employees respect their manager and trust that their goals are aligned with the company, progress is easily made.

These four skills are vital to the success of any Six Sigma Black Belt employee. Follow these, and you will practice the business process improvement methodology with integrity and ease!

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Identifying a Good Practitioner: Introduction to Due Diligence https://6sigma.com/identifying-good-practitioners-introduction-due-diligence/ https://6sigma.com/identifying-good-practitioners-introduction-due-diligence/#respond Mon, 20 Mar 2017 16:09:08 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20784 It’s no doubt that obtaining any level of Six Sigma certification will further advance your career. A truly unique skill in of itself, Six Sigma is the ideal business process improvement method more employers have come to expect their employees to know. While your employer may offer training courses to advance your levels of certification, […]

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It’s no doubt that obtaining any level of Six Sigma certification will further advance your career. A truly unique skill in of itself, Six Sigma is the ideal business process improvement method more employers have come to expect their employees to know. While your employer may offer training courses to advance your levels of certification, a general understanding of the methodology has become an expectation. However, finding the right Six Sigma practitioner on your own can be tricky. Too often do illegitimate training course scam prospective students out of the hours and money they invest in certification. In the end, you may end up wasting time and effort only to obtain a fake certificate or poor experience. Today, we will introduce three due diligence tips to help make the search for a reputable practitioner a bit easier!

Certificate, Certification, and Training

The first, and simplest form of due diligence to practice is clarifying what exactly you need. When searching for a practitioner, it can be easy to click on the first few links that show up. However, keep in mind that programs’ orders correlate to their amount of paid advertising. Furthermore, multiple practitioners will attempt to blur the lines of what their programs offer. This is where due diligence comes into play!

If you have years of experience practicing the Six Sigma methodology, a practitioner who provides a formal certificate after passing an online course is the best option for you. Likewise, if you’re new to Six Sigma and need a basic understanding of the process, a training practitioner is the better option. Lastly, a certification program is ideal for those who want to combine the training and certification test process under one practitioner. While this is usually the most expensive option, it does provide the most experience and formal understanding of Six Sigma. 

Where Does the Accreditation Come From?

While it’s important to understand what type of program your practitioner offers, it’s even more so to recognize where accreditation will come from. Is your practitioner offering a training course through a university or an online program? Does the Better Business Bureau support the program’s accreditation? Have industry leading corporations used a particular certificate exam to test their employees? These questions and more are an easy way to not only assess the legitimacy of your course but to also clarify where your accreditation comes from. A Six Sigma certification is only worth as much as the provider!

Quality vs. Quantity of Content

Lastly, finding a reputable practitioner can be done by assessing the quality and quantity of the course’s content. For example, most classroom Black Belt certification courses take between four to six weeks to complete. If you find a practitioner online who offers a similar course, does their curriculum take the same amount of time? Likewise, the quality of the course work provided should help you determine whether your practitioner is the right fit or not. Most legitimate certification courses require you to complete a Six Sigma project to receive feedback on your process improvement skills. If you practitioner offers no hands-on experience, they may be lacking in content quality. Additionally, another due diligence tip is to analyze the platforms on which these courses run. Is a practitioner using an up-to-date software for their projects? Is your practitioner providing the correct examples for you to practice; i.e. service industry versus manufacturing?

Slightly questioning and researching Six Sigma practitioners can easily determine if they are the right fit for your needs. Remember, Six Sigma is a business process improvement method that requires discipline, structure, and most importantly, due diligence!

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Protect Your Reputation with a Recognized Six Sigma Certificate https://6sigma.com/20762-2/ https://6sigma.com/20762-2/#respond Thu, 16 Mar 2017 18:57:11 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20762 There’s a reason why recruiters read a resume from Ivy League universities before ones from a community college. Likewise, there’s a reason why employers have come to expect more from renowned institutes with superior training and course work. That reason is simply reputation. For most industries, reputation can determine everything. Deciding if you’re the right […]

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There’s a reason why recruiters read a resume from Ivy League universities before ones from a community college. Likewise, there’s a reason why employers have come to expect more from renowned institutes with superior training and course work. That reason is simply reputation. For most industries, reputation can determine everything. Deciding if you’re the right match for a job, signing a new business contract, or taking a risk on something. It’s no surprise that for Six Sigma, reputation is just as vital. Unlike the previous example, there is no official certification of Six Sigma training programs. Thus, the value of Six Sigma certificates depends almost solely on the integrity, the reputation, of the program. To protect you from wasting your time and money on a training course with a poor reputation, here are a few things to look for in a decent accreditor.

Experience

When interviewing for a new position, you are sure to be asked about your past work experiences. What projects you managed, how you tackled difficult situations, and more, will all be assessed by your interviewer. Likewise, when searching for a Six Sigma accreditor, first look at what experiences you will gain. If a training program is only a few weeks long and offers no hands-on experience, chances are, they are a poor accreditor. Additionally, further warning signs of poor training would be a lack of communication with other students, reluctance to critique your work and progress, and no availability to work on certified Six Sigma projects.

Course Work

Whenever applying to a new course or training program, it’s important to see exactly the institute plans to teach you. Whether you’re seeking a Black Belt certification or just beginning as a White Belt, it’s vital to know what your course covers. Likewise, if you have access to the training program’s content, compare it to other programs. This allows you to assess their similarities and differences. This tip is a easy was to see if you’re facing a poor accreditor based on the lack of relevant content. Remember, the goal of a Six Sigma training program should focus on exposing you to the methodology, not just taking your money.

Past Users

When you shop online, it’s commonplace to read reviews of products you might wish to purchase. Likewise, search for reviews of past individuals who have taken the Six Sigma training course(s) you’re interested in. Are past students now senior managers at well-known corporations? Do they run their own consulting firm? Or have they become stagnant in their progress? Furthermore, if you’re interested in gaining a higher Six Sigma certification, sometimes the best method to find the right training program is to just ask your manager. Chances are, your employer has a list of preferred programs that they trust and send their colleagues to.

Your Next Steps

At the end of the day, finding the perfect Six Sigma training course depends on three things. They are your time limitations, your budget, and most importantly, your own preference. Six Sigma certification is an invaluable asset that will progress you within your career faster than most other certifications. Take the time to carefully find the right program for you and always be on the watch for poor accreditors!

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Visual Thinking: How to Use a Gantt Chart https://6sigma.com/20716-2/ https://6sigma.com/20716-2/#respond Tue, 07 Mar 2017 15:24:52 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20716 Pop Quiz: How do you read a Gantt chart? In Six Sigma, the Gantt chart can make your project run a whole lot smoother. For great project planning, scheduling always needs to be considered. This is why you may want to invest in a little extra training for your team. That way, your project will […]

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Pop Quiz: How do you read a Gantt chart? In Six Sigma, the Gantt chart can make your project run a whole lot smoother. For great project planning, scheduling always needs to be considered. This is why you may want to invest in a little extra training for your team. That way, your project will run smoothly and on time, with minimum setbacks. In today’s article, we talk about the Gantt chart and how this scheduling tool can help you with your Six Sigma project.

Visual Thinking: How to Use a Gantt Chart

What is a Gantt Chart?

Before you start using Gantt Charts, you must understand what they are, and how they fit into your Six Sigma toolkits. First of all, a Gantt chart is used for purposes of project management. It’s a popular and effective method of displaying activities, tasks or events against a period of time. Each activity is represented by a bar on the chart. The size and position of which show the start date, duration and end date of the activity. Gantt charts will typically illustrate such things as:

  • The activity in question.
  • When the activity begins and ends.
  • How long it lasts.
  • Where activities overlap.
  • When the project begins and ends.

But why use a Gantt chart? What does it offer? Well, by using one, it can help determine responsibility for tasks, as well as potential problems that may occur. This information can be very useful to have in the early stages of your project, and the Gantt chart makes it easier to absorb by displaying it in a visual manner. It can also help identify critical paths, such as task sequences and minimum delivery times, so don’t dismiss the Gantt chart as just another Six Sigma tool. It could make your project far simpler to deal over time.

How to Use a Gantt Chart

Below are the key steps involved in creating a strong Gantt chart that is bound to be an effective asset to your project:

  1. Identify the Essential Processes. All your activities necessary to project completion need to be included if a Gantt chart is to work. Establish your essential tasks by breaking down the processes to determine importance. Calculate timescales for delivery before ranking them by length. 
  1. Identify the Task Relationships. Your chart should illustrate how project tasks are linked and how they affect one another (sequential tasks), and how they work when independently (parallel tasks). Remember, some tasks rely on other tasks being completed beforehand, so bear this in mind when designing your chart. For example, your need to have finished an article before it can be posted online. 
  1. Input Activity Data into a Template. Software like Gantto, Microsoft Project or Excel, and Matchware can also be used for this purpose. But sometimes, creating your own template is the best option. 
  1. Track the Progress. As your project makes progress, it will start to change, so be sure to keep track of how. Regularly update your chart with new information, to ensure it is up-to-date and completely accurate. The better your data, the more likely your Six Sigma success!

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Leadership Roadmap: How to Provide Meaningful Direction with Metrics https://6sigma.com/leadership-roadmap-provide-meaningful-direction-metrics/ https://6sigma.com/leadership-roadmap-provide-meaningful-direction-metrics/#respond Mon, 06 Mar 2017 19:49:11 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20710 In Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma, great leadership is everything. When an executive presence is not available to provide a guiding force directing the team and ensuring goals are consistently met, even the most basic of Six Sigma projects can quickly turn into a nightmare. Not only that, but the pressure will only increase, the […]

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In Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma, great leadership is everything. When an executive presence is not available to provide a guiding force directing the team and ensuring goals are consistently met, even the most basic of Six Sigma projects can quickly turn into a nightmare. Not only that, but the pressure will only increase, the more responsibility you need to deal with. If you’re a senior executive overseeing multiple projects, how do you provide direction and meaningful leadership using metrics?

Leadership Roadmap: How to Provide Meaningful Direction with Metrics

What are the Metrics?

Within the  Six Sigma methodology, metrics tend to focus on one or a combination of three vital factors.  Namely: quality, schedule, and cost. These metrics are particularly useful as they often serve as the root drivers behind an organization’s Six Sigma transformation.

  • Critical to Quality. Quality metrics (CTQs) involve measuring process performance and operational performance. One of the oft-used methods for doing this is via Process Capability Indices. This is when a process is broken down to determine if it meets the demands of the customer. 
  • Critical to Schedule. Schedule metrics (CTSs) generally deal with cycle times and scheduling proficiencies and deficiencies. There are four key concepts that link to CTSs: process cycle efficiency, process lead times, process velocity, and overall equipment effectiveness. 
  • Critical to Cost. Cost metrics (CTCs) calculate, render, and compare data that can inform business opportunities. These include such metrics as Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return. They are designed to be equally critical to both schedule and quality, as cost often impacts on almost every other area of a business’s infrastructure.

How to Use Metrics to Deliver Strong Leadership

The first thing you need to know about being a good leader is how to provide meaningful direction to your team. Remember, you are someone they look to for guidance, and example, so be prepared.

One way to do this is by defining objectives in terms of your Six Sigma and/or business strategy. Demonstrate how these goals are to be met, break it down into manageable data chunks, for easy absorption. Be clear, be succinct, and your team will thank you for it. This will also help strengthen Critical to Quality metrics, in turn providing a strong picture of how their work benefits the project.

Monitoring results is another important factor. By acknowledging and recording achievements, your team will acquire a stronger sense of direction for it. By completing each goal, they will feel the project drive towards its ultimate objective. Critical to Schedule metrics will play a role here, as they can help set out effective timelines.

Moreover, drivers and processes are essential to Six Sigma, and you should identify them quickly and effectively to make your objectives actionable. Techniques such as Pareto Charts and Driver Trees can help break processes down to determine their drivers. This level of detail is important for you to be comfortable with, as your team may struggle to have faith in you as a leader, if you offer only vague advice and a basic understanding of the key issues at work. An in-depth understanding of the processes will also enable a thorough understanding of the costs involved. This will help you direct workers in line with budget goals.

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How to Get Your Six Sigma Project Back on Track https://6sigma.com/get-six-sigma-project-back-track/ https://6sigma.com/get-six-sigma-project-back-track/#respond Fri, 03 Mar 2017 15:37:30 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20692 Most Six Sigma projects will follow a linear, structured flow. An executive or senior manager overlooks the progress being made, advises where changes will benefit, and instructs project managers how to maintain the process. However, every project runs the chance of having errors, mistakes, and setbacks. Regardless of your Lean Six Sigma training, your consulting […]

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Most Six Sigma projects will follow a linear, structured flow. An executive or senior manager overlooks the progress being made, advises where changes will benefit, and instructs project managers how to maintain the process. However, every project runs the chance of having errors, mistakes, and setbacks. Regardless of your Lean Six Sigma training, your consulting experience, or your Six Sigma certification, mistakes are bound to happen. Most project mistakes are human error, yet, machines and automated processes will fail at some point. Every part of your business processes has limitations and, when reached, will result in errors.

How to Get Your Six Sigma Project Back on Track

When mishaps occur, it’s easy to become frustrated. However, as a Six Sigma professional, it’s your responsibility to get the project back on track as quickly as possible. To better prepare you for the unavoidable future, here are a few tips you can use when mistakes arise.

Prepare

The best way to resolve production errors is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Six Sigma is a business process improvement method that focuses on reducing waste and removing unnecessary components. For most Six Sigma Projects, this methodology will automatically reduce the chance for errors. Although, mistakes are still not completely avoidable. Before beginning a project, ensure your employees have thorough training and understand the Six Sigma methodology completely. A comprehensive understanding with adequate practice is the best way to prevent errors from occurring.

Damage Control

However, when errors do occur, the first thing you should do is remind yourself and your team that you are human. Mistakes will happen and while perfection is a goal, it’s not necessarily achievable. Likewise, when mistakes happen, assess where and when the error occurred. Using your Six Sigma Toolkits, such as Root Cause Analysis, you can locate and correct the production error and get back on track. Additionally, you can also integrate the Kaizen methodology to maintain a clear workspace, revisit locations of errors, and reorganize your components. While you may lose time when a production error occurs, it’s crucial to take the time needed to locate and correct what exactly went wrong.

Getting Back on Track

Whether you have just finished fixing a production error or are practicing prevention methods, getting back on track with your project should always be the end goal. Getting back and staying on track requires discipline, obedience, and a strong management team to motivate their employees. When management communicates effectively with other employees, it’s easier to maintain a proper business process and Six Sigma project. Additionally, practice is always key. If you want to avoid errors from occurring, practice the Six Sigma methodology in all of your business processes when available.

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How to Start Your Own Six Sigma Consultancy https://6sigma.com/start-six-sigma-consultancy/ https://6sigma.com/start-six-sigma-consultancy/#respond Thu, 02 Mar 2017 15:15:45 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20686 At some point in life, everyone dreams of being their own boss. Running your own company as an entrepreneur reaps numerous benefits, such as flexible hours, better pay, and most of all, control over what you do and when you do it. However, not everyone has the courage to form their own startup consultancy. Many […]

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How to Start Your Own Six Sigma Consultancy
Learn how you can start your own Six Sigma consultancy!

At some point in life, everyone dreams of being their own boss. Running your own company as an entrepreneur reaps numerous benefits, such as flexible hours, better pay, and most of all, control over what you do and when you do it. However, not everyone has the courage to form their own startup consultancy. Many will invest countless hours and hundreds of dollars into a business model that simply does not work. Some may fear that creating their own business is too risky and does not offer stable benefits their families will need. Yet, the remainders will strive and work as hard as possible to get their company off the ground and in the end, succeed. Whether you have years of experience in a professional industry, a technical education background, or are starting completely new, Six Sigma certification will put you on the path to success!

Six Sigma and Consultancy

Six Sigma is a world-renowned business process improvement method that has integrated itself into numerous industries. Additionally, the Six Sigma methodology uses data-driven analysis to reduce production waste, increase process efficiency, and deter manufacturing defects. Like most business methodologies, you can earn a variety of level certifications that qualify you to work on specific tasks. Beginning with White Belt, you can test your knowledge of Six Sigma and gain higher ranking certifications throughout the program. Furthermore, most entrepreneurs that create their own Six Sigma consultancies have Green Belt certification. This is the medium rank and proves that you possess a thorough understanding of the methodology and how to implement it into practice. However, most successful entrepreneurs continue to learn the details of Six Sigma and earn higher certifications throughout their experience.

What You Will Need

Before you begin creating your own firm, there are a few key things you must have. First, above all else, you must have an exponential desire to succeed. Statistically, four out of five consultancies will fail in the first stages of their life cycle. To beat this, you must believe in yourself, possess a strong passion for your work, and practice a sustainable business model. Next, as a Six Sigma consultant, you must ensure your knowledge of the business process methodology. Consultants, either individually or as a team, are expected to have basic to advanced knowledge on most subjects pertaining to Six Sigma. When advertising your services to potential clients, find ways to express your understanding and why they should choose your services over someone else.

Additionally, it is crucial to have a united workforce. Most consultancies begin small, three to five people at most. When working with your team, continuously practice and test their knowledge of Six Sigma and encourage them to expand their skillset. Finally, every consultancy needs a concrete business model with a solid mission statement. What are your services, what are your specialities, and how will you profit from them? Too often, young consultants spread their workforce and knowledge base too thin and cannot maintain a precise company image. Find what services you offer best and perfect them!

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Kaizen 5S for Beginners: Sustain https://6sigma.com/kaizen-5s-beginners-sustain/ https://6sigma.com/kaizen-5s-beginners-sustain/#respond Tue, 28 Feb 2017 15:57:40 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20669 Historically, Six Sigma employees have been using the business philosophy known as Kaizen. Originally from Japan, Kaizen is defined as constantly improving one’s self. Relating to business process, Kaizen is a way to find new ways of improving efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing employee safety. Like most business process improvement methods, Kaizen follows a set […]

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Historically, Six Sigma employees have been using the business philosophy known as Kaizen. Originally from Japan, Kaizen is defined as constantly improving one’s self. Relating to business process, Kaizen is a way to find new ways of improving efficiency, reducing waste, and increasing employee safety. Like most business process improvement methods, Kaizen follows a set of stages known as the 5S’s. These stages including sorting through unnecessary items and process, organizing the workplace, maintain a clean working environment, and upholding a higher standard of production.

Throughout our series, Kaizen 5S for Beginners, we have discussed the in’s and outs of the Kaizen philosophy. This includes what each stage, or ‘S’, within Kaizen represents and how companies can successful implement it into their workplace. In this article, we will analyze the final stage of Kaizen, commonly referred to as ‘Sustain’.

What Is ‘Sustain’?

The original term in Japanese, Shitsuke, translates to English as “do without be told.” This final stage in the Kaizen business philosophy aims at practicing the self-discipline to maintain the progress made so far. Whereas the prior four stages focus on organizing, cleaning, and properly running the workspace, Sustain aspires employees to continue better their business processes in new ways. Kaizen, as a practice, revolves around constant improvement. Whether this includes reducing waste, increasing production efficiency, or decluttering the assembly line, employees use this method to improve their present work environment. Once at Sustain, employees will perform routine audits on business process. They may also train other team members on the Kaizen method, and practice strict self-discipline.

When first practiced in Japan, employees embraced the Kaizen philosophy as a new way to take pride in their work. Working together, employees sought out new ways to improve their productions and manufacturing with limited resources. Today, companies see Kaizen as the ideal goal-oriented process improvement method.

Implementing Sustain

Since its conception, the Kaizen business method has found itself in a variety of new industries. From health care to education, government and logistics, Kaizen brings benefits to numerous industries through its order and structure. Depending on your field, Kaizen will have varying strengths when implemented. Originally designed for manufacturing roles, the method was used to organize congested workspaces and deter product defects. Now, employers combine Kaizen with the data-centered approach of Six Sigma to form the ideal business process improvement method. Using the analysis and logistics of Six Sigma with the order and discipline of Kaizen, employees seek process improvements better than ever.

Furthermore, the most effective way to implement Kaizen into your corporation is with leaders who routinely enforce the method. This includes supervisors and managers who conduct routine assessments of their employees, their workspaces, and their productions. If implementing correctly, your employees will perfect their roles with the consistent practice Kaizen requires.

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Kaizen 5S for Beginners: Standardize https://6sigma.com/kaizen-5s-beginners-standardize/ https://6sigma.com/kaizen-5s-beginners-standardize/#respond Mon, 27 Feb 2017 15:18:58 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20665 The Kaizen business philosophy has become a crucial component of the Six Sigma methodology. Originating from Japan, Kaizen means to constantly improve a business process, typically within manufacturing or production. There are five key processes that define Kaizen, commonly referred to as the 5S’s. When translating directly from Japanese, these 5S’s are ‘Sort’, ‘Straighten’, ‘Shine’, […]

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The Kaizen business philosophy has become a crucial component of the Six Sigma methodology. Originating from Japan, Kaizen means to constantly improve a business process, typically within manufacturing or production. There are five key processes that define Kaizen, commonly referred to as the 5S’s. When translating directly from Japanese, these 5S’s are ‘Sort’, ‘Straighten’, ‘Shine’, ‘Standardize’, and ‘Sustain’. Performed in a linear pattern, employees first begin with ‘Sort’ moving through the processes until reaching ‘Sustain’. Each stage represents a different business process improvement method. These include reorganizing a workstation, removing unnecessary parts and equipment, and even sustaining a process’s current progress.

Kaizen 5S for Beginners: Standardize
This article is the third of five in our new series, Kaizen 5S for Beginners. In the post, we discuss the fourth S, ‘Standardise’.

Throughout our Kaizen 5S for Beginner series, we have assessed each stage along the Kaizen business philosophy. In this article, we will discuss the forth S, ‘Standardize’, what it means, and how companies successfully implement it their employees’ standard operations.

What Is ‘Standardize’?

‘Standardize’ is the process of revisiting the first three stages of the Kaizen model periodically and maintaining the new standard of operations. We recommend practicing ‘Standardize’ on a frequent schedule that is predetermined by management. Depending on your company’s industry, revisiting one or all the prior three stages may be necessary to maintain your improvements. For example, if you operate a manufacturing plant, revisiting ‘Shine’ multiple times per month is a great way to keep your workspace clean and operating smoothly. Likewise, if your company produces a variety of products, revisiting ‘Straighten’ would be helpful is properly placing items so they are easily accessible.

How often and when your employees will revisit a previous Kaizen stage is based solely on your needs. The idea behind Standardize is the flexibility to revisit prior changes, reassert discipline, and assess new ways to improve your business processes. This systematic approach aims at maintaining the progress you’ve already made, as well as confirming the set standards levels.

Implementing Standardize

You can implement Standardize in a variety of ways due to its flexibility and dynamic nature. First, management may develop a time period in which each prior Kaizen stage is revisited a certain number of times. This may be along the lines of every month, quarter, or half year. Kaizen succeeds in part due to its discipline and structure. Ensuring that your employees follow managements’ decision to revisit prior stages when they request so is key.

Additionally, you may also implement Standardize by developing a system of checks and balances within your processes. For example, if a defect occurs, your employees will revisit each Kaizen stage, ultimately fixing the error. However, in the end, your company’s needs will guide you how to use Standardize.

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Kaizen 5S for Beginners: Shine https://6sigma.com/kaizen-5s-beginners-shine/ https://6sigma.com/kaizen-5s-beginners-shine/#respond Thu, 23 Feb 2017 20:49:50 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20657 Defined as the Japanese business philosophy for promoting constant improvement within the workplace, Kaizen continues to prove as an asset to the Six Sigma methodology. The term Kaizen first originated in Japan after World War II within the production and manufacturing industries. With fewer resources to work with, the Japanese developed this philosophy as a […]

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Defined as the Japanese business philosophy for promoting constant improvement within the workplace, Kaizen continues to prove as an asset to the Six Sigma methodology. The term Kaizen first originated in Japan after World War II within the production and manufacturing industries. With fewer resources to work with, the Japanese developed this philosophy as a way to reduce production waste and find ways to operate more efficiently. Today, Six Sigma employees use the Kaizen method within their own fields to further enhance their business processes, reduce overall waste, and deter production defects. Combining the discipline and structure of Kaizen with the data-driven approach of Six Sigma, professionals now have the perfect resources to prevent errors within their business processes.

Kaizen, like most business improvement methods, is comprised of varying stages. We refer to these stages as the 5S’s. Translating the original terms from Japanese, the 5S’s are ‘Sort’, ‘Straighten’, ‘Shine’, ‘Standardize’, and ‘Sustain’. In this article, we will discuss ‘Shine’, what it is, and to implement it into the workplace.

What Is ‘Shine’?

Shine refers to cleaning and organizing the workplace, daily. Following the first two S’s of ‘Sort’ and ‘Straighten’, Shine is naturally the next step. First, employees separate and removed unnecessary items from the process (Sort). Then, they arrange the required items in a clearly marked fashion, where they are easily found (Straighten). Now, employees will practice ‘Shine’ by cleaning the workplace, equipment, and machines on a daily basis. This helps maintain an orderly work environment, as well as preventing production defects from occurring. For many employees, Shine is where they take the most pride within their careers. At this stage, employees work together to maintain the effort they contributed in the first two process.

Assuring their work environment is clean and orderly improves the production process efficiency, reduces waste, prevents error, and even increases safety. When properly maintaining equipment and machines, it is easier to be proactive in preventing production and manufacturing errors. Additionally, by cleaning the workplace daily, such as sweeping floors, removing trash, and organizing assembly parts, employees’ safety increases. This is primarily due to the decrease in risk factors, such as slipping on a wet floor, or losing control of a malfunctioning part.

Implementing Shine 

Like the previous stages of the Kaizen philosophy, the best way to implement Shine into the workplace is to hire supervisors who inspect the area routinely. However, unlike the previous two stages, Shine is easier to integrate as it focuses on maintaining a clean workspace. For some employers, the most effort into implementing Kaizen falls within Sort and Straighten. This is due to a consistent, disciplined approach to managing organization and analyzing what parts are not needed for production. When practicing Shine, employees maintain the currently organized workspace, clean machines and equipment, and ensure safe working condition.

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Kaizen 5S for Beginners: Straighten https://6sigma.com/kaizen-5s-for-beginners-straighten/ https://6sigma.com/kaizen-5s-for-beginners-straighten/#respond Wed, 22 Feb 2017 15:37:04 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20651 Kaizen, originating from Japanese for “Change for better”, is a term used when constantly finding ways to improve functions of your business. Additionally, Kaizen practices ways to organize your workplace and assess the capabilities and standards of your processes. Why Kaizen is so vital to Six Sigma is its approach to improving process management through […]

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Kaizen, originating from Japanese for “Change for better”, is a term used when constantly finding ways to improve functions of your business. Additionally, Kaizen practices ways to organize your workplace and assess the capabilities and standards of your processes. Why Kaizen is so vital to Six Sigma is its approach to improving process management through increasing efficiency and decreasing waste. When implementing the Kaizen model, there are 5 S’s of which you will follow. In the previous article, we discussed the first S, ‘Sort’. This step allows you to organize and remove unnecessary components to your production process. Like Root Cause Analysis, this step allows you to visualize errors within your production, manufacturing, analysis, or other process. Then, you can decide up and remove what parts are and what are not need.

Kaizen, when practiced daily, can create a sense of unity with the workplace. With this method, no one employee is overly worked, nor is one superior in their knowledge of the same system. The Japanese methodology shows how employees can perform their tasks using a scientific method, eliminate waste, and improve process efficiency. Through discipline and practice, you can use the five steps of Kaizen to improve performance, reduce waste, and solidify your company’s foundation.

What Is ‘Straighten’?

The second step to improving your business processes through Kaizen is ‘Straighten’. Straighten is the practice of arranging the components that go into your business processes. For example, if working on an automobile assembly line, this step allows you to place each part required for manufacturing to be precisely labeled and placed in its appropriate place. Not only does this create an easier way for personnel to find the parts they need, but also prevents wasting time by searching for misplaced components. As a result, Straighten allows your workflow to be smoother while also increasing the time efficiency. Another byproduct of this step is an increased in company safety. When employees spend less time looking for parts and items for their process, they are able to stay focused on the task at hand. This lack of distraction ensures fewer accidents occur, especially along a high-frequency production and manufacturing process.

Another byproduct of this step is an increased in company safety. When employees spend less time looking for parts and items for their process, they are able to stay focused on the task at hand. This lack of distraction ensures fewer accidents occur, especially along a high-frequency production and manufacturing process.

 

Implementing Straighten

The key to this step, along with the other 4 S’s of Kaizen, is proper implementation. Since Kaizen follows a strict, disciplined approach, the best way to integrate Straighten into your workplace is by making it a part of your corporate culture. Following a systematic approach, the method can be integrated into almost any business process you have. With the help of project leaders, managers, and supervisors, your company can distill this step into your employees. Like most methodical practices, the more you do it, the easier it becomes! Start small and focus on the quality of your implementation. As your employees accept Straighten, it becomes easier to stay disciplined, checking on systems periodically.

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Kaizen 5S for Beginners: Sort https://6sigma.com/kaizen-5s-beginners-sort/ https://6sigma.com/kaizen-5s-beginners-sort/#respond Tue, 21 Feb 2017 15:13:00 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20649 The word “Kaizen” originates from Japanese, meaning “improvement”. For Six Sigma practices, Kaizen refers to any improvement within a company at a continuous rate. The word first gained traction following World War II in Japan, where factory workers continuously sought ways to eliminate production waste. Little did they know at the time, their constant endeavors […]

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The word “Kaizen” originates from Japanese, meaning “improvement”. For Six Sigma practices, Kaizen refers to any improvement within a company at a continuous rate. The word first gained traction following World War II in Japan, where factory workers continuously sought ways to eliminate production waste. Little did they know at the time, their constant endeavors would soon become vital to the Six Sigma methodology we know today. Whether you work in a manufacturing assembly line, chain management, or logistics, implementing continuous improvement within your role is Kaizen. As Six Sigma continues to expand into new industries, Kaizen follows the lead, as more and more employees discover ways to improve their business processes.

In the modern workplace, we reference the 5S of Kaizen. These 5S’s are a workplace organization method, developed from the five Japanese words: ‘seri’, ‘seiton’, ‘seiso’, ‘seiketsu’, and ‘shitsuke’. When translated, these words become ‘Sort’, ‘Straighten’, ‘Shine’, ‘Standardize’, and ‘Sustain’. In this article, we will discuss the first S, Sort.

What Is ‘Sort’?

Using a broad definition, Sort is making your work processes simpler and easier by eliminating certain obstacles. When you eliminate unexpected errors, you prevent the chance of producing unnecessary or faulty products. At this point, you might be thinking about the basic understanding of Six Sigma. That is, to improve business processes, prevent errors, and eliminate waste. It’s no doubt that the Six Sigma methodology supports itself with the 5S’s of Kaizen. Additionally, you also practice Sort by evaluating the cost of manufacturing certain items and assessing what parts are not needed. This allows you to remove unnecessary factors, costs, and processes, further enhancing your productions.

Implementing Sort

Sort is only effective if you properly implement it into your company. When first practiced in Japan, the Toyota Production System used a simple method for following Kaizen. We define this as PDC, or Plan, Do, Check, and Act. Whenever an error occurs along a production line, all employees must stop their processes and search for the source of problem. This is similar to Root Cause Analysis. For most, implementing Sort is simple. First, designate an area where employees can remove and dispose of unnecessary parts. Typically, this area is referred to as a “Red-Tag” zone. This is required since not all items can be disposed of immediately. Additionally, you should clear your employees’ work zones of unused materials, further increasing the efficiency. Furthermore, keep track your process improvements by hiring a full-time supervisor who checks these processes regularly.

Another way to implement the Kaizen 5S Sort is by using the 5 Why’s. This process allows you to ask why an error occurs and locate where it comes from. By doing this, you organize your business processes, eliminate waste, and increase overall efficiency.

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Who Works on a Six Sigma Project? https://6sigma.com/works-six-sigma-project/ https://6sigma.com/works-six-sigma-project/#respond Mon, 20 Feb 2017 15:02:02 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20646 The basis of any good Six Sigma project is its team. Likewise, within a team there are many different roles. These roles focus either on initiative or project leadership, typically divided into the following categories:

  1. Six Sigma Deployment Leader (DP)
  2. Six Sigma Champion
  3. Master Black Belt (MBB)
  4. Black Belt (BB)
  5. Green Belt (GB)
  6. Yellow Belt […]

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    ]]> The basis of any good Six Sigma project is its team. Likewise, within a team there are many different roles. These roles focus either on initiative or project leadership, typically divided into the following categories:

    1. Six Sigma Deployment Leader (DP)
    2. Six Sigma Champion
    3. Master Black Belt (MBB)
    4. Black Belt (BB)
    5. Green Belt (GB)
    6. Yellow Belt (YB)

    This article will explain these roles, who is best to fill them, and why they are important to Six Sigma success.

     Six Sigma Deployment Leader 

    The Deployment Leader is the figurehead for the team. DP roles are often taken on by the business leader themselves. Furthermore, the DP will typically hire the rest of the team. This also includes working with the MBB to organize, cultivate, and drive the project at all levels by meeting the following objectives:

    • Establish appropriate and reasonable business goals.
    • Motivate the team.
    • Maintain an active role in all activities related to the project.

    The best DPs promote or continuous improvement, leverage the budget for further initiatives, and ultimately develop a fully capable Six Sigma company culture. Remember, the more time and interest you invest, the higher the chances of success for your project.

    Six Sigma Champion

    Champions are usually managers within the company, organizing and directing the business, function and/or value stream towards significant process improvement. They will interact with and utilize GBs to overcome obstacles, while working with BBs and MBBs to manage the development of the project.

    The best Champions clearly demonstrate how the project benefits the organization, helping to meet business priorities. Most Champions will have a portfolio of prior projects.

    Master Black Belt

    Master Black Belts work with DPs to translate high-level company goals into Six Sigma strategies. Interacting with Champions to manage the project, they are also responsible for leading the development of Six Sigma in the business, while maintaining the division’s overall Six Sigma effort. In accordance with Six Sigma and Kaizen, the MBB promotes transparency, creativity and challenging of the status quo to aid development. MBBs often have prior mentoring and/or statistical experience, and can progress to Chief Quality Officer relatively quickly.

    Black Belt 

    Similarly to MBBs, Black Belts are relied on to create a transparent, honest environment with a key focus on factual data to inform group decisions. Working with those above and below them in the hierarchy, BBs will work tactically to ensure results are identified and process changes are honed and sustained by Champions and MBBs. The best BBs often come from careers in Business Analysis and Process Improvement, with prior Six Sigma experience on their résumé.

    Green Belt 

    Green Belts are responsible for supporting BBs in identifying and applying process changes. GBs also act as part-time Project Leaders, requiring them to scope projects, lead those below them, and liaise with BBs to ensure all project goals are executed properly. GBs are critical to the success of Six Sigma projects and will usually have some background experience in senior management.

    Yellow Belt

    Yellow Belts do not lead projects alone. Instead, they will act in a worker bee role. This mostly includes deferring to the GBs and BBs to aid the progression of the project. YBs are core team members and are often support those above them in the hierarchy. These tasks help to develop process maps, capture data, create simulations, and generate improvements.

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    https://6sigma.com/works-six-sigma-project/feed/ 0 Your Six Sigma Analysis Toolkit: Value Stream Mapping https://6sigma.com/your-six-sigma-analysis-toolkit-value-stream-mapping/ https://6sigma.com/your-six-sigma-analysis-toolkit-value-stream-mapping/#respond Tue, 14 Feb 2017 15:53:03 +0000 https://6sigma.com/?p=20609 When practicing the Six Sigma methodology in your company, using relevant tools and applications can benefit the tasks at hand. One of these complementary tools is Value Stream Mapping. We define Value Stream Mapping as a lean-management method used to visualize the current and future stages of a process. Typically, these stages flow from […]

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    When practicing the Six Sigma methodology in your company, using relevant tools and applications can benefit the tasks at hand. One of these complementary tools is Value Stream Mapping. We define Value Stream Mapping as a lean-management method used to visualize the current and future stages of a process. Typically, these stages flow from the production of a product or service all the way to its delivery or execution. With this model, you can analyze the flow of information and material within each individual process that takes place. How this model relates to the Six Sigma methodology is by its design to show flaws within a system and provide ways of increasing efficiency with the business management process.

    How Does It Work? 

    Starting off, you must first decide upon a goal you wish to achieve through Value Stream Mapping. This can include reducing waste, increasing manufacturing speed, and more. You must also designate where the start and end of your process are.

    Next, you begin to list out each stage during the process value stream flow. For manufacturing, these may include building select parts, moving them along an assembly line, and constructing the final product. However, multiple industries use this analysis tool such as logistics, software development, supply chain, and others.

    After labeling each stage during your value stream, the next criteria are to add in parameters to be measured. How long a process should take, the average number of employees there, and the machine power limitations are all examples of measurable metrics to assess. Additionally, each variable’s value should be considered. Each process and its variables can be categorized as ‘value adding’ or ‘value losing,’ depending on the progress of the value stream.

    After this, you will collect data and analyze your findings. Furthermore, at this point, you can reassess certain process, make changes towards efficiency, and calculate how else to improve your business management.

    The Pros and Cons

     Like all good models, there are certain benefits and risks Value Stream Mapping possesses. For the benefits, this tool provides you with valuable insight to the efficiency of your business processes. You can measure any number of variables, make changes where needed, and implement a more effective, sustainable procedure. Likewise, you can map display the exact flow of your value stream and locate where limitations or hindrances may exist. However, certain risks are also present. First, Value Stream Mapping works ideally for simple, linear processes. More complex, multi-level productions will greatly restrict the usability of this tool. Additionally, this tool follows a basic pen and paper technique, which can limit the accuracy of its analysis. Other tools that depend on computer simulations or engineered programs have proven to be more accurate and effective at enhancing the quality of business processes.

    Learn more about our training and courses

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