The four-phase Brecker Six Sigma Improvement Methodology incorporates elements
of
Value Analysis (VA), Quality Function Deployment (QFD), and QS9000
(ISO900-2000
is now similar) into the Six Sigma Improvement System to
provide better results
with less effort and cost.
Implementation can be undertaken at 3 levels
-
Process (Phase 3)
-
Product Line / Plant (Phases 2-3)
-
Business (Phases 1-3).
Organizations can pilot this methodology at the product line / plant level
(Phases 2-3)
before committing to company wide implementation and
training. Traditional Six Sigma training addresses Phase 3.
Phase 1: Key problem areas are identified and quantified.
Senior personnel analyze customer, financial, operational, and quality data
to
identify improvement opportunities and quantify possible improvements.
An Activity-Based Costing approach is frequently taken.
Improvement
goals are aligned with strategic business objectives. This is
akin to
DMAIC at the business level with the Critical to Quality (CTQ)
and
Critical to Business (CTB) parameters being passed down from Phase 1
to Phase 3
(similar to QFD or Hoshin planning).
Phase 2: Potential product / process improvement solutions
are
quantified.
Product line / plant teams use value analysis style workshops to develop
and
evaluate specific product / service and process improvements needed to
meet
quality, productivity, and cost objectives. Lean thinking, Six
Sigma, and
other quality and productivity concepts are considered.
Phase 3: Multi-functional teams improve key processes.
Multi-functional teams analyze products and processes in depth and
develop
detailed implementation plans for improvements. Lean thinking,
Six Sigma, Kaizen, and
other quality and productivity tools are used as
appropriate.
Phase 4: Improvements are implemented and monitored.
Strong management support is essential in making significant and
lasting
improvements. Decision-making needs to be crisp. Follow-up needs
to be
relentless. Improvement goals and the implementation schedule must
be met to
achieve the projected returns.
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