Selecting a Six Sigma Green Belt Process Improvement Project

Guidelines for Selecting a Six Sigma Green Belt Process Improvement Project

Six Sigma is a powerful tool for solving complex problems. Below is a list of attributes that many Six Sigma process improvement projects contain:

Characteristics of good process improvement projects  The project improves an existing process (a series of activities that creates some sort of output/result for internal or external customers.)  The project attacks quality issues ( defects, scrap, rejects, returns, rework, customer complaints, warranty costs, late receivables, lost business, lost time, excess inventory, unplanned expediting, data redundancy, product nonconformance)  The project attacks waste issues (excess transportation, inventory, excess motion, excess wait time, over-production, over-processing, defects, underutilized skills of workforce)  The project attacks cycle time, throughput, transactional, or hand-off issues  The project focuses on processes that affect what the customer views as valuable.  The project attacks highly variable process outputs or processes that have excessive “firefighting” by management, or are only resolved by throwing money at the symptoms.

Types of projects that aren’t usually a good fit Not all projects are well suited for the Six Sigma DMAIC methodology. They may be very worthwhile and important to the organization, but not very helpful in practicing and showcasing the skills learned in the Six Sigma Greenbelt series. Projects that are generally outside the scope of a Six Sigma green belt process improvement initiative include:

 Implementation of an already established solution (e.g. “We’ve purchased xyz machine or software automation and now need it installed at site A.”)  Implementing an executive edict (e.g. “We’re closing facility A; please relocate personnel”)  Designing a new process, product, or service from scratch (e.g. “Develop a new software package that addresses a customer group we’ve never served before.”)  Traditional construction or building/facilities enhancements (e.g. “The entrance road to facility A needs new asphalt.”)  Projects that will require more than 6 months to complete.