What Are the Steps of Six Sigma

Six Sigma is a remarkably popular approach to quality management that helps minimize defects and process variations. It is a data-driven methodology that makes the best use of statistical analysis. It also uses other potential tools for identifying and eliminating the root causes of problems, thereby improving overall quality.

You should note that the Six Sigma methodology has five distinctive phases, each comprising its own steps. This article will give you informative insights into the steps of Six Sigma. While digging further, you will also explore obtaining a green belt certification to demonstrate your expertise. Let’s find out!

Five Phases of Six Sigma

Here in this section, we have listed the five distinct phases of Six Sigma:

• Define

• Measure

• Analyze

• Improve

• Control

Remember that each of these phases has a unique set of steps that should be followed to implement the Six Sigma methodology.

1. Define Phase

The Define Phase is the first step in the Six Sigma methodology. Here, the basic project goals are defined, and an efficient team for the project is formed. The distinctive steps of the Define Phase include:

• Defining the Problem or Opportunity: Here, the opportunity or the problem is defined while determining the project’s scope.

• Identifying the Customer: The potential customer is identified by considering their needs and requirements.

• Defining Project Goals: Next, the project goals are defined, and a project charter is also formulated to document the project.

• Forming the Project Team: Finally, an efficient team for the project is formed, and the roles and responsibilities of each team member are also defined.

2. Measure Phase

The Measure Phase is considered the second step in the Six Sigma methodology. In this phase, all the important data is collected and analyzed to determine the current performance of the process. Here, we have listed the steps of the Measure Phase:

• Identifying the Process that Needs to be Measured: The process that needs to be measured is identified, formulating the data collection plan.

• Collecting Data: The requisite data is collected through different tools and techniques like surveys, interviews, and statistical analysis.

• Analyzing Data: After that, the data is analyzed using statistical tools like control charts, histograms, etc., to determine the current performance of the process.

• Determining the Process Capability: Finally, statistical analysis is used to determine the process capability to figure out the range of variation in the process.

3. Analyze Phase

The Analyze Phase is the third step in the Six Sigma methodology. The data collected within the Measure Phase is analyzed to identify the root cause of the problem. The steps involved in this phase are:

• Identifying the Root Cause: First, the data is analyzed to identify the root cause of the problem.

• Verifying the Root Cause: Next, the root cause is verified with statistical analysis, thereby ensuring that it is the primary cause of the problem.

• Determining the Impact: After that, the impact of the root cause on the process is determined to assess its significance.

• Identifying Potential Solutions: Finally, the potential solutions for addressing the root causes are identified.

4. Improve Phase

The Improve Phase is regarded as the fourth step in the Six Sigma methodology. The potential solutions identified in the Analyze Phase are implemented and tested in this phase. The steps involved in this phase include the following:

• Developing the Solution: The potential solutions are developed into an actionable plan.

• Implementing: Next, the solution is implemented while the results are monitored.

• Testing: After that, the solution is tested to determine its effectiveness and ensure that it addresses the root cause of the problem.

• Validating the Results: The results are validated using the best statistical analysis. It also ensures they are sustainable and won’t cause other significant problems.

5. Control Phase

The Control Phase is the fifth and final step in the Six Sigma methodology. In this phase, the process is monitored and controlled, ensuring the improvements are sustained. The distinctive steps involved in this phase are:

• Implementing Controls: Firstly, the controls are implemented only to ensure the process remains stable and stays within the desired performance levels.

• Developing a Control Plan: After that, an exquisite control plan is developed for documenting the monitoring and controlling procedures.

• Monitoring the Process: Next, the procedure is monitored with statistical process control techniques. Therefore, it helps ensure the process remains stable within the desired performance levels.

• Sustaining Improvements: The improvements are sustained through ongoing monitoring and control.

Green Belt Certification

If you wish to demonstrate your expertise in the Six Sigma methodology, you can easily obtain a Green Belt Certification. It indicates that you understand the Six Sigma methodology and can apply it to real-world situations.

To acquire a Green Belt Certification, you should pass a certification exam that covers the above-mentioned Six Sigma phases.

Data updated by national salary survey websites reveals the median annual salaries for individuals with Six Sigma Green Belt Certification in the US. Here, we have listed them according to their job designations:

• Business Process Analyst – $75,301

• IT Project Manager – $87,940

• Business Consultant – $47,000 to $129,000

• Warehouse Operations Manager – $71,791

• Quality Assurance Engineer – $65,935

• Lean Six Sigma Specialist – $88,423

• Continuous Improvement Manager – $90,816

• Directors of Quality – $115,545

• Directors of Project Management – $102,669

• Directors of Process Engineering – $141,946

• Program Manager – $111,598

• Operational Excellence Leaders – $101,018

This shows that obtaining a Green Belt Certification can lead to higher earning potential and career growth.

To conclude

The Six Sigma methodology’s data-driven approach helps minimize the defects and variations in processes. The five phases enable all organizations to identify and eliminate the root causes of the problems, thereby improving overall quality.

 

If you want to demonstrate your expertise in Six Sigma, consider obtaining a Green Belt certification. This will pave the way for a higher earning potential and help your career growth.