Value Stream Mapping And Six Sigma

Business processes are similar to a river flowing in a natural direction and carrying information from point A to point B. Value Stream Mapping (VSM) is one of the techniques used in Lean Six Sigma for identifying areas of waste that need to be avoided in both manufacturing as well as office business processes. Aside from identifying areas of waste, VSM also helps in streamlining business processes for achieving higher productivity. VSM is based on scientifically proven methods, making it necessary for organization to employ profession Six Sigma consultants (VSM specialists) during the implementation stage.

The Initial Process

Implementing VSM is a long drawn process where the first step involves mapping the current flow of materials or information in key business processes of an organization. The mapping is done with the help of flowcharts that depict the flow of goods or information from one end to another. The flowchart also contains information about the average time taken for the completion of various sub processes. For generating a comprehensive flowchart, consultants often gather inputs from business heads, floor managers or factory workers. While creating the flowchart, key sub-processes are highlighted using specific icons. This helps in pinpointing areas where waste and inconsistencies are happening. The flowchart also helps in understanding the complexity of a business process, which needs to be simplified for increasing efficiency.

Future State Of Value Stream Mapping

In the next step, VSM consultants discuss each step depicted in the flowchart with the management for finding out ways that would streamline and optimize the whole business process. In Six Sigma terminology, this is referred to as Future State Value Stream Mapping (FSVSM). A number of methods can be used during FSVSM process but only those need be selected that help in streamlining processes without affecting the day-to-day operations of an organization. One such method is Cellular Manufacturing, which can be used during FSVSM. Although it is a simple concept, it requires adequate planning on part of the consultants as well as the management. Takt Time is another method that is used for evaluating lead-time of manufactured goods or services rendered. This method is commonly used in organizations where the main objective is to deliver goods or services in time, for e.g. courier companies. Another method is known as Kanban, which forms a part of Just In Time (JIT) manufacturing system. It helps in maintaining low inventory levels and work in progress without affecting the quality or volume of manufactured goods.

Effectiveness In Automotive And Other Manufacturing Industries

VSM has proven to be very effective in organizations that make use of large and complex assembly line manufacturing processes. Automobile manufacturing companies are probably the best examples as far as the effectiveness of VSM is concerned. Top automobile companies such as Ford and Toyota have successfully implemented VSM in their business processes, which has in turn helped these companies in manufacturing high quality products while reducing costs at the same time.

Although concepts of VSM are applicable in all types of manufacturing organizations, companies other than automobile companies may find it a little difficult to implement VSM word for word. Some consultants also feel that benefits associated with VSM are sometimes over-hyped when it comes to implementing VSM in non-automotive companies. Personal opinions may vary but what is certain is that VSM does help in reducing waste if implemented properly.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

Six Sigma Training - An Overview

The unbelievable results achieved by the pioneers of the Six Sigma management methodology and implementation were not realized overnight. Concerted efforts of by the entire organization and unwavering support by top management over a long period of time are what it takes to see results. The employees of an organization, through specialized Six Sigma training, play key roles through 6 sigma implementation. The key players in 6 sigma implementation not only need specialized Six Sigma training, they also need a different mindset and dedication to the process.

Six Sigma Training - What Is It?

Six Sigma training is available from various institutes certified to provide the training using either offline or online delivery methods. Six Sigma training is aimed at providing comprehensive and rational methodology and techniques. Six Sigma training courses normally cover process improvement techniques as stepping stones for students and lead to either green belt or black belt certifications.

Six Sigma training course fees normally vary from $450 for a one-day course, up to $6000 for a two-week lean 6 Sigma program. The Champion's Leadership Program is conducted onsite only. Still, there are some other institutes that combine the black belt and green belt Six Sigma Training into what is known as the 2+2 format. Attending this dual Six Sigma training helps improve internal company synergy in addition to giving the organization greater flexibility.

What Do Six Sigma Training Courses Cover?

Six Sigma training courses leading to certifications in green belt and black belt are usually designed to cover one module at a time. One such module is the control module, for example. The Six Sigma training course places emphasis on the statistical aspects of process capabilities and process control.

Objectives Of Six Sigma Training

In brief, Six Sigma training introduces students to both the DMAIC and DMADV methodologies. The core concepts of these techniques, quality standards, charts, plans and analytical techniques are also covered in the course.

Who Is Eligible To Take The Six Sigma Training Course?

Any member of an organization who is a manager, technician, operator, teacher or engineer, regardless of where he or she is working, can take a Six Sigma training course. Employees may work in industries such as education, IT, and government, provided they have demonstrated an aptitude for learning complex DMAIC techniques.

Up The Rung Six Sigma Training

Master Black Belt and Champion Six Sigma training is utilized for producing coordinators and decision-makers who will play key roles in the implementation and success of Six Sigma across the organization. The focus of the Six Sigma training will be to prepare Champions to identify the elements of critical business processes. Students will, upon certification, be able to bring about the changes necessary to their organizations both during and after the implementation of 6 sigma. Unlike the Green Belt and Black Belt trainees, who are required to devote 75% of their time for Six Sigma implementation, Master Black Belts and Champions dedicate 100% of their time to successful implementation of the program.

What these Six Sigma Training courses don't teach you are not taught anywhere else, either. Future vision, ability to lead, and the skills to motivate the organization also must be mastered in addition to the formal Six Sigma training process.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions - Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts

The Changing Face of Corporate Management Making Six Sigma Work For You

Since its introduction, Six Sigma has literally revolutionized management processes and the way business is done. Over the years, major corporations world-widefrom Motorola to General Electrichave adopted and implemented its methodology as the keystone of their management philosophy.

As such, Six Sigma practitioners are in high demand by top companies looking to streamline their processes and increase their profit margins through this powerful management tool.

This article will provide a basic overview of the concepts and methodology that is redefining the management strategies of major corporationsand the managers they hire.

What is Six Sigma?

At its heart, Six Sigma is a business tool used to increase profit by optimizing performance. In order to understand how Six Sigma achieves this, one must first learn to look at business as a series of processes.

Any business can basically be viewed as a machine comprised of many moving parts, called processes. This idea can be applied to any department, across the boardfrom Human Resources to Research and Development, from a hiring process to a manufacturing process, from marketing to distribution. All the main parts of whole must be synchronized for optimum performance in order for a company to be successful. The same applies to the processes that make up the individual departments. In this way, everything is interlocked and interdependent. And by extensionas the saying goesyou are only as strong as your weakest link.

With this in mind, Six Sigma sets out a disciplined data-driven methodology to measure and analyze the processes that a company ultimately runs on. Its ultimate goal is the optimization of performance by identifying and eliminating defects in the process, resulting in higher customer satisfaction, and thus profit.

The Underlying Principles

Six Sigma is a powerful management tool used to optimize performance by eliminating defects in corporate processes. A defect in process can be seen as an obstacle to customer satisfaction, which is the lifeblood to any company's profitability. Therefore, while Six Sigma analyzes and improves the internal processes of a company, it's ultimate aim is to increase the degree of customer satisfaction.

The term Six Sigma itself offers clues to the ideas at the heart of its methodology. The word sigma is a statistical term for measuring deviation from perfection. The six refers to six standard deviations. Taken together, the term translates into a methodology that, when applied to processes, seeks to produce no more than six standard deviations from the defined point of perfection. In the Six Sigma methodology, this has been defined as no more than 3.4 defects per million opportunities. While the statistical terminology might sound intimidating, the idea of making only 3 mistakes for every million attempts is easy enough to grasp and shows the power of the methods at work.

The methods that underpin the overall Six Sigma approach are split into two categories. The first, DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control), is used to analyze and improve existing processes. The second, DMADV (Define, Measure, Analyze and Verify), is used to develop new processes that adhere to the stringent deviation specifications of Six Sigma.

Obviously, the closer you are to perfection, no matter how you define it, the better off you are in any endeavor. In the business world especially, the competitive edge can be a razor thin line separating competitors in any market space. When it comes down to it, the company that makes the fewest mistakes is the most successful.

Thus, the processes of Six Sigma offers a competitive advantage to any company that can master its conceptsand to any individual trained to implement it.

Make Six Sigma Work for You

Six Sigma training is recognized at two levels of certification reflecting the expertise of the individual. These categories are divided into Six Sigma Green Belts and Six Sigma Black Belts.

The Green Belt program introduces managers to the fundamentals of the Six Sigma methodology as well as how it apples to the overall management structure. Green Belts have the basic training of valuable skills that can be immediately applied to critical business processes.

The Six Sigma Black Belt is, as the name suggests, a master of the methodologies and practices of Six Sigma. They have full knowledge of the DMAIC and DMADV methodologies and can implement them in a leadership role.

Obtaining your Green Belt or Black Belt in Six Sigma methodologies will make you more enticing to potential employers. So if youre looking to boost your career in the corporate world and gain some invaluable knowledge that will give you a leg up on the competition, consider taking a Six Sigma program such as the one offered by Villanova University today. It might just be the break youre looking for.

Matt McAllister is a writer for http://www.searchforclasses.com To read more of his articles and to learn more about online education visit http://www.searchforclasses.com/newsletter/

Keys To Six Sigma Success

Six Sigma delivers but its success hinges largely on the seriousness of the organization. Although, it is not as simple and as this, Six Sigma is gradually following a path that its processors took during their heydays. While it is too early to predict the future of Six Sigma, it gradually is causing fewer eyebrows to raise in boardrooms across the world anymore. We will take an insider look at the causes for this and what keys open the door to Six Sigma success, as both are inseparable from each other.

An Insight Into Six Sigma Implementation

Six Sigma requires the organization restructured correctly from top to bottom. From Champions to Green Belts, people are hired or insiders are trained for specific duties. Personnel at each level of the organization have their assigned and well-defined jobs with varying degrees of authorities and powers so that, apart from executing their routine job duties, they are able to effectively solve problems. This is a sticky issue where powers overlap within executive departments. Unfortunately, at times this causes relationships to sour, however unintentionally. The actions of champions, who are supposed to intervene, can be mistaken for intrusion in cross-departmental matters such as this.

It is here that the success of Six Sigma requires total commitment from upper management of organizations. If the tense atmosphere is not remedied, Master Black Belts or Black Belts can get frustrated and fail to concentrate. Further deterioration, whether because of procrastination on the part of Champions or upper management, brings professionals into the fear zone. Consequently, the Six Sigma implementation suffers. The delay in its implementation adds to the already hefty financial bills with results yet to be realized.

Obviously, this pushes upper management into a corner with few options. With the commitment of upper management being challenged, the vision that the organization had fails to gel with the larger scheme of things.

Key To Successful Implementation Of Six Sigma

More or less, it is slow implementation that throws the Six Sigma vision into question. If the first among these is the miscalculation about the different aspects which include the saving potential and implementation timeframe, the intensity with which the implementation is being made comes in a close second.

The Anomaly Of Limited Savings: It is agreed that Six Sigma implementation is a huge expense to organizations, but if companies adopt stringent accounting practices to calculate savings, with tightening of expenditure as may become appropriate, results can be expected to turn around. The expenditures can be calculated just like capital expenditures, and proper adjustments to future budgets must be made. Failing this, savings in terms of money in such cases cannot be expected to be substantial.

The Intensity Factor: If for any reason, there are less stringent implementation methodologies and the process is pushed through without proper training of professionals, you can expect the results to be mediocre. Compromises give way to a slippery slope and ultimately the failure of Six Sigma.

Tony Jacowski is a certified Master Black Belt for Aveta Solutions – Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ). Six Sigma Online offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.