Six Sigma Maps Out Your Business Success

A big part of the retail industry is customer service. It is the customer service itself that builds relationships and inspires loyalty. Using the Six Sigma methodology to improve your business will actually boost employee morale as well as confidence.

Let’s confront a truth: nobody likes change. There is a saying, “Change before you have to.” This could be Six Sigma’s mantra. Today, let’s bring up one of the many tools Six Sigma has to offer that would elicit change.

Today we’ll discuss the Process Map. A process map is a step-by-step visual of what the current steps are in the targeted process. This map must show five to seven of the highest-level steps in the process that would elicit the most change. Each step is detailed in how the process is carried through.

There are four complete stages of process mapping. These stages can be found broken down within the DMAIC concept:

1. The first stage of process mapping is found within the Define Stage, that outlines the scope and high level steps mentioned earlier.
2. The second stage of process mapping happens in the Analysis Stage. Here we take the original high-level map and get even more detailed in the process.
3. The third process mapping occurs during the Improve stage; this is the “should be map.”
4. The fourth process mapping is the “could be map” to be used in the Design for Six Sigma application.

Important note: make sure you are accurate in describing the process; write the process as it is and not as you want the process to be.

As human beings, we do many activities in a mindless state. Using this tool alone would elicit mindfulness. The repetition of seeing the process step-by-step from its before state to its “could be map” state would serve as a confidence booster, by fault of knowledge brought on by repetition.

** Please note that this is a simplified version of one specific tool.

If you are interested in learning more about our Six Sigma training, learn more information about 6Sigma.com’s Lean Six Sigma training coursework, available as classroom, onsite, or online options.