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Six Sigma Defined The objective of Six Sigma is to reduce direct cost by decreasing defects, error, etc., to six sigma frequency (3.4 per million). This objective is to be accomplished by getting large numbers of employees to use statistical tools based on a four step framework (measure, analyze, improve and control) in order to improve the processes with which they work. These tools are not new (mostly old quality technologies from the 1980s) but are often more advanced than those traditionally used by many companies. Typically, employees are trained up front in the use of a wide array of statistical tools by means of a cascading teaching approach. An external Six Sigma expert trains "master black belts". The master black belts then train black, green, and yellow belts. After several weeks of classroom training and a possible practice project (depending on the level of belt), employees launch their process improvement efforts. The methodology and systems thinking become apart of the company culture, and processes are continually and perpetually improved. Six Sigma initiatives strive to drive out measurable costs of poor quality, so the projects are selected based upon financial return, typically $100,000 minimum. These savings come at a cost. Significant time, money and personnel are needed to support every Six Sigma effort. Black Belts are assigned full time to quality efforts and report to Master Black Belts who coordinate improvement efforts around the plant. Despite its complexity, Six Sigma has helped many companies. Its use can enhance communication within a company and result in some improvement in operations. Most top managers QualPro has talked with are "underwhelmed" by their Six Sigma results. See Also: Black Belt Overview, Green Belt Overview
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Since 1982, QualPro has used Multivariable Testing (MVT®) with 1000+ companies to test 100,000+ improvement ideas. MVT® tests between 20 and 40 ideas simultaneously, accurately predicting the bottom-line impact of potential process changes in as short as 12 weeks. Take existing process initiatives, like Six Sigma, to a whole new level. All process improvement tools and approaches (TQM, DOE, Six Sigma, Re-Engineering, SPC) can be enhanced through the use of Multivariable Testing® by QualPro.
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QualPro, Inc. • P.O. Box 51984, Knoxville, Tennessee 37950 • 800.500.1722 • 865.927.0491 • 865.927.0495 fax © 2006, All Rights Reserved, QualPro, Inc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
