A means of controlling the quality of products and processes through the reduction of variation in a value chain using data to determine the root cause of the specific variation.

The application of a Six Sigma program in today's business world is a well structured procedure defined and developed for Industry within the past 20-25 years. It is based on a Statistical Calculation that leads to controlling a process that has a capability of achieving 3.4 million parts per million defects. It can be applied to any business process using the formal structure. This state-of-the-art application of the concept is easily adapted to evaluate and improve segments of the entire value stream. In many ways Six Sigma is similar to and includes initiatives related to Lean Thinking Programs.

What can it accomplish?

The companies that have been most successful in applying the structured procedure have perfected a standardized approach that requires experienced professionals to educate employees and guide teams through the process. Organizations have improved processes and saved millions of dollars by learning and applying the program to the many value streams in their business processes. It is reasonable to project that most firms will effectively reduce total costs by 10% to 20% within the first year of incorporation of the concepts.

Why is it necessary?

Competition is increasing at an alarming rate globally and the pressure is becoming greater to provide high quality goods and services to consumers without passing the costs of wastes on to Customers. Six Sigma, in concert with the application of Lean Thinking, provides the tools, a standard procedure, and a philosophy that enables organizations to compete world wide while remaining profitable. An increasing number of International Competitors have the advantage of lower costs by nature of their economic structure as related to the rest of the World. Most businesses can compete only by reducing costs to an absolute minimum.

How do you learn more about Six Sigma?

Reading about the concepts is easy. Understanding how they apply is somewhat more difficult to accomplish. Organizing to implement is even more difficult, and implementing it as a way of life in an organization becomes even more of a challenge.

What are the basics of the process?

A five step methodology called DMAIC is commonly used to manage a Six Sigma program. Using a structured approach like DMAIC assures that teams working on problems, issues or objectives won't deviate from a proven series of steps.

D - Define the scope and objectives of the project.

M - Measure the current, as-is condition and develop a measurement for future progress

A - Analyze - Collect and develop data to determine root cause

I - Improve - Create and implement solutions.

C - Control - Create structured business processes to sustain gains

How will Helle Consulting help you to Implement a Six Sigma program?

Organizations that are serious about adopting the Six Sigma, structured procedure do not skip steps in the process and use seasoned Black Belts to provide the Education and Manage the Program. Helle Consulting will provide the education and guide the effort while assisting in developing internal Yellow Belts, Champions, Green Belts, and eventually Black Belts. Our highly trained and experienced professionals have worked with some of the most successful Six Sigma firms in the World.

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