Six Sigma Flashcards
What is the purpose of the “Define” stage in Six Sigma?
The Define stage determines the problem to address by identifying gaps between current and desired process performance.
Example: “What is the pain?” In a DMAIC scenario, it could be stated as: “I need an A in this class to secure the corporate internship or job I really want.”
What are key tools used during the “Define” stage?
- Quality Function Deployment (QFD)
- Pareto Chart
- Customer Survey (VOC)
- SIPOC Chart
- Cost of Poor Quality (COPQ) Analysis
- Benchmarking
What is the purpose of the “Measure” stage in Six Sigma?
The Measure stage obtains and reviews baseline data on current process performance and the variables that impact performance.
Example: “How bad is the pain?” In a DMAIC scenario, it could be: “I currently have a B+ in this class. To get an A, I need a 93% on the final exam.”
What are key tools used during the “Measure” stage?
- Key tools include Process Map
- Cause and Effect Diagram
- Failure Mode Effects Analysis (FMEA)
- Gage Repeatability & Reproducibility (R&R)
- Rolled Throughput Yield (RTY)
- Process Capability.
What is the purpose of the “Analyze” stage?
The team analyzes the current process to understand key factors impacting performance and seeks the root cause.
Example: team tries to figure out the question “What is the root cause”?
What question does the team seek to answer during the “Analyze” stage?
The team tries to answer: ‘What is the root cause of the pain?’
What are key tools used during the “Analyze” stage?
- Scatter Plot/Histogram
- Main Effects Plot
- Pareto Diagram
- Histogram
- Fishbone
- Correlation Analysis
What is the purpose of the “Improve” stage?
The team implements process improvement ideas and verifies that these ideas achieve the desired performance.
Example: Team is trying to answer “What solution(s) eliminate the pain?”
What question does the team seek to answer during the “Improve” stage?
Solution testing, future state map, failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) as well as the team seeks to answer: ‘What solution or solutions eliminate the pain?’
What are key tools used in the “Improve” stage?
- Key tools include Solution Testing
- Future State Map
- Failure Mode & Effects Analysis (FMEA)
What is the purpose of the “Control” stage?
Controls are implemented to ensure that the process continues to perform at the desired level.
Example: Informing a manager about schedule constraints during exam weeks.
What question does the team seek to answer during the “Control” stage?
The team seeks to answer: ‘How can we make sure the pain does not return?’
What are key tools used in the “Control” stage?
- Statistical Process Control (SPC)/Pre-Control
- Mistake Proofing
- Audit Plan
- Control Plan
What is the typical duration to complete a Six Sigma project?
It is possible to complete a Six Sigma project within 3 to 6 months.
What is Six Sigma?
Six Sigma is an organizational, total quality management process that statistically measures, analyzes, controls, and improves the capability of a process to produce a service or product that is considered free of defects.
