Six Sigma is usually associated with the complete overhaul
of existing business processes, to reduce shortcomings and improve the quality
of goods and services. Due to this belief, many companies with insufficient
resources often avoid implementing the Six Sigma concepts and methodologies in
their business processes. These companies are often unaware that the Six Sigma
concepts and methodologies can also be implemented with innovative shortcuts.
These shortcuts are known to have the same affect on the quality as the
standard Six Sigma implementation processes.
Avoid
Time Consuming And Costly Implementation Processes
The standard Six Sigma implementation techniques involve
expenses on the technique applied for assimilation of customer input. This is
done with the intention of designing new products and processes, for the
benefit of the clients. The basic problem is that it is a tedious task to
quantify customer input, which is often as vague as ‘more stylish’, ‘less expensive'
or ‘better than X brand’.
A company that does not have the adequate resources to
quantifying such vague requirements can simply skip this step and move on.
There is not much to lose, since it is an established fact that most customers
look for quality, affordability and style. It is often a waste of valuable
resources when companies spend large amounts of money on understanding these
common requirements of customers, over a period of time.
Avoid
Standards And Generalizations
In large organizations, the top executives spend a lot of
time on the implementation of the Six Sigma projects. However, in small and
medium sized companies, the top executives are often too busy to look into the
Six Sigma programs. Six Sigma projects can be successfully implemented even without
the support of the top executives. It is a general misconception that Six Sigma
programs can only be executed when everyone, from executive to clerk, is
involved in the project.
Opt
For The Most Cost Effective Six Sigma Training
Although it is necessary to provide training to employees
involved in the Six Sigma implementation project, companies often go overboard
by following the set standards of 160 to 240 hours of Black Belt training.
Conscientious employees do not require such extensive training, as they are
already aware of the quality expectations of them. Companies can save time and
reduce training costs by opting for training programs that concentrate more on
the techniques that are new and haven’t been addressed before.
The most cost-effective way is to opt for the online
training programs. They are not only less expensive but also enable employees
to access the information and learn in their free time. In this way, companies
can ensure that the productive time of employees is not wasted on Six Sigma
training.
Use
Innovation And Creativity Wherever Possible
Although Six Sigma methodologies make use of the latest
statistical tools and techniques, most of the basic quality improvement
concepts and philosophies are based on motivation. Instead of using the set
standards, companies can devise their own innovative methods and techniques
that could help in achieving the same results. In this way, companies can
easily tap into the benefits associated with Six Sigma programs in a shorter
time span.