Six Sigma Tools

What is Six Sigma?

Six Sigma is a business methodology and data-driven process with a goal of producing nearly perfect products for consumers, reducing product defects to 3.4 defective parts per million, or 99.99966% defect-free products. It is an essential part of any business process improvement as it significantly improves the efficiency of the business by identifying flaws and weaknesses in the processes. In order to bring improvement to eliminate defects and waste, a set of tools and methods are developed over the years by Six Sigma practitioners that address control and problem-solving.

List of Six Sigma Tools

Below are 10 powerful tools of Six Sigma:

1. DMAIC

DMAIC is a 5-step process, and it is the first and most used method/tool in Six Sigma.

The 5 steps are:

• Define
• Measure
• Analyze
• Improve
• Control

The DMAIC process helps in creating continuous improvement in the manufacturing methods by using data and measured objectives. Also, there is a process known as DMADV, which is used to develop a new process, product, or service, whereas DMAIC is useful for improving current processes.

DMADV Stands for:

• Define
• Measure
• Analyze
• Design
• Verify

The DMADV process helps in developing a high-quality product or service by creating an efficient process doing thorough analyses and using data.

2. The 5 Whys

To determine the root cause of problems in your organization, the tool of ‘5 Whys’ is used, which is frequently deployed as part of the Analyze phase in DMAIC.

The 5 Whys work like this:

• Write down the problem so that each member of your team can focus on it specifically.
• Ask why the problem occurred.
• If your first answer is not the main cause of your problem, ask why again.
• Repeat this questioning at least five times to determine the true source of the problem.
• Whys do not have to be limited to 5 times; you can ask more than 5 times, but after 5 times, you will have clarity on the root cause of the problem.

3. The 5S System

For quicker access and better management, workplace materials are organized following a tool known as the 5S System. The waste that is produced by poor conditions and poor workstations is eliminated with the help of this system.

The 5S are:

• Seiri (Sort) – Leaving only necessary items, all extra items are removed from current production.
• Seiton (Set in order) – Organize all items and label them according to being clutter-free.
• Seiso (Shine) – Keep your work area clean, and inspect everything in it regularly.
• Seiketsu (Standardize) – Write the standards that you have set, sort them, and set them in order.
• Shitsuke (Sustain) – Apply and execute the standards that you have set for your company and make everyone follow them as a habit regularly.

4. Value Stream Mapping

Value Stream Mapping is a tool used in the Analyze phase of DMAIC and also in Lean Manufacturing, making it perfect for Lean Six Sigma. To help you improve and optimize flow throughout your organization, a value stream map was developed to show the flow of materials and information in one of your processes.

Value Stream mapping helps you identify 3 things:

• Value Enabling Activities: Identifying the activities which when enabled, add value to your processes.
• Value-Adding Activities: Identifying the activities that add value to your processes.
• Non-value adding activities: Identifying and eliminating the activities that do not add any value to your processes.

So in order to make the processes more compact, swift, and precise, you have to eliminate the wait time between consecutive steps in the processes and eliminate all your non-value-adding activities with the help of Value Stream Mapping.

5. Regression Analysis

Regression analysis is used to define the mathematical relationship between an input variable and an output variable and is a statistical process for estimating and understanding the relationship between variables. It helps you visualize patterns or deviance from desired patterns in your workflow by graphing these inputs and outputs.

In Layman’s language, regression analysis is a statistical method that helps in determining the extent to which a relationship exists between two variables. One can accurately identify the values of one variable based on the values of another variable using a simple linear formula if the relationship is strong enough. However, one must be cautious when performing regression analysis.

6. Pareto Chart

Pareto Chart is a graphic representation that visualizes what part of the process influences output the most. You first have to figure out the components of the process along with how to measure them to create such a chart. It allows Six Sigma teams to identify the largest issues facing the process by displaying differences between groups of data.

It is considered the most important tool of Six Sigma as it helps the team identify 20% of resources that causes 80% of problems in the processes. In short, it will give you a clear idea that which component requires your immediate attention.

7. FMEA

The full form of FMEA is Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA). Developed in the 1950s, FMEA helps businesses in identifying and eliminating weak points by reviewing the causes and effects of components, assemblies, and subsystems. It helps Six Sigma practitioners detect and fix problems before it occurs, resulting in improved quality of their processes, services, and products.

8. Kaizen

Kaizen means continuous improvement. It is a practice that continuously involves observing, identifying, and implementing incremental improvement in your manufacturing process by involving all employees and managers and encouraging them in the process of manufacturing improvements.

It ensures to rectify the smallest inefficiencies every day through the collective talents and knowledge of everyone working in the company. It also ensures the reduction of waste in production.

9. Poka-Yoke

Poka-yoke is a Japanese term meaning mistake-proofing. It helps in identifying and rectifying human errors by employees that occur throughout the production and manufacturing processes.

10. Kanban System

Kanban is a Japanese word meaning billboard. The Kanban System being a supply chain control system focuses on cost reduction by implementing a just-in-time inventory control system. It is very easy to use and has many benefits, for which it is also one of the most popular six sigma tools. Kanban system increases efficiency and brings more focus to the business as it works on a simple and elegant idea by only activating the supply chain when the demand requires it, by feeling additional resources and allowing to use them better. This system helps all the current business processes by setting limits for the inventory- holding.

Recommended Articles

This is a guide to Six Sigma Tools. Here we have discussed the 10 powerful tools of Six Sigma for addressing control and problem-solving. You may also look at the following articles to learn more –

1. Lean Six Sigma Tools
2. Levels of Six Sigma
3. Project Management Methodology
4. Six Sigma Management