The combination of Lean Six Sigma management practices and the technology of Industry 4.0 (The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, Big Data Analytics, Digital Twin Technology, and etc) has the potential to transform manufacturing and other types of businesses in significant ways.
WHAT IS LEAN SIX SIGMA?
Lean Six Sigma is a term/method used to define various techniques and management tools designed to make business processes more efficient and effective. This increase in performance and decrease in process variation to provide statistical tools to eliminate defects, identify the cause of the error, and reduce the possibilities of error. Its lead improvement in profits, employee morale, and quality of products or services.
The Importance of People in Six Sigma
A key component of successful Six Sigma implementation is buy-in and support from executives. The methodology does not work as well when the entire organization has not bought in. Another critical factor is the training of personnel at all levels of the organization. Yellow Belts typically receive an introduction to process improvement theories and Six Sigma terminology. Green Belts typically work for Black Belts on projects, helping with data collection and analysis. Black Belts lead projects while Master Black Belts who have outstanding leadership ability look for ways to apply Six Sigma across an organization, and an innovative, and demonstrate a strong commitment to the practice and advancement of quality and improvement.
Methodologies of Six Sigma
There are two major methodologies used within Six Sigma, both of which are composed of five sections.
DMAIC: The DMAIC method is used primarily for improving existing business processes. The letters stand for:
- Define the problem and the project goals
- Measure in detail the various aspects of the current process
- Analyze data to, among other things, find the root defects in a process
- Improve the process
- Control how the process is done in the future
DMADV: The DMADV method is typically used to create new processes and new products or services. The letters stand for:
- Define the project goals
- Measure critical components of the process and the product capabilities
- Analyze the data and develop various designs for the process, eventually picking the best one
- Design and test details of the process
- Verify the design by running simulations and a pilot program, and then handing over the process to the client
Lean Six Sigma can be a powerful tool for organizations looking to accelerate their digital transformation initiatives. By streamlining processes, improving quality, reducing costs, and driving innovation, Lean Six Sigma can help organizations stay ahead of the curve in today's fast-paced business environment.
Currently, HAKOVO is executing a due diligence based on Lean Six Sigma with digital transformation methodology to manufactures who has trading in between Japan and Indonesia. We believe that our initiative is significantly impacting the stakeholders in the companies involved.