Monday, December 29, 2008

Continuity Is Important For Six Sigma Success

By Craig Calvin

When a business is switching from their normal processes to the Six Sigma discipline, they should expect a platform of efficient and improved processes. Team leaders need to make every effort to make certain that the conversion process is not hampered by any unnecessary reasons. If expected benefits of the project are to be realized, then the Six Sigma implementation must be seamless.

Effective planning is not just crucial for the Six Sigma projects; it can be beneficial to everyone involved in the organization. For a Six Sigma implementation to have a proper plan in place is vital. These plans should be realistic and achievable. The planning has to be such that the participation of the members involved does not hamper the daily functioning of the organization. If the plans are not effective enough, they may be extra burden added to the daily activities of the business. With proper planning and strategizing for the various stages in the Six Sigma project implementation, you will be ready to face any kind of problem that may arise. In a Six Sigma implementation the biggest risk faced is the resistance to the changes. Considering this factor, strategies have to be designed that will help to overcome or reduce such resistance. Planning should involve resources, strategizing to face the problems that may arise and having a good communication strategy for the project.

An important factor to consider is the availability of human and material resources. There must be a regular supply throughout the duration of the project and they should be readily available. Smaller companies will likely be able to have such available quickly and easily, however larger corporations may be challenged with providing logistical solutions in a timely manner. If the project is to avoid going off schedule, the resources must be available. Unavailability can cause team motivation to decline and that can affect negatively the Six Sigma implementation process.

The designing of a clear communication system from the onset must be of top priority. Forward thinking during the Six Sigma process is required at every step of the way to assure that the next step in the process will not be impeded by a lack of communication. All team members, from top management to Green, Yellow and Black Belts must participate in the communication process. Making sure all are informed at every step of the way is vital to the continuity of the Six Sigma implementation.

The entire organizaton must participate in the communication cycle if the implementation is to be a success. If any group is not included, resistance may develop and the project could go off schedule. Senior management plays a pivotal role in assuring communication lines are kept open at all times. If the business is to achieve its goals of efficiency and profitability, Six Sigma implementation must be followed closely. - 15254

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