Primer on lean six sigma

Original publisher: Washington, DC : U. S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, [2010] OCLC Number: (OCoLC)730953552 Subject: Six sigma (Quality control standard) Excerpt: ... ( 3 ) Analyze Phase. The purpose of the analyze phase is to identify and rank process problems and their root causes. This phase involves the following main activities: ( 1 ) analyzing process data and identifying process performance issues and problems ( e.g., constraints, bottlenecks, and quality issues ), ( 2 ) identifying and ranking root causes, ( 3 ) identifying critical-to-quality inputs, and ( 4 ) presenting team findings and recommendations to the project sponsor in the gate review. ( 4 ) Improve Phase. The purpose of the improve phase is to recommend process improvements and implement a pilot to demonstrate benefits, and to prepare a plan for full-scale implementation of recommended improvements. This phase involves the following main activities: ( 1 ) identifying and ranking of process improvement measures based on benefits and risks, ( 2 ) recommending a best solution, ( 3 ) implementing a pilot solution and demonstrating benefits, ( 4 ) developing a plan for a full-scale implementation of improvements, and ( 5 ) presenting team findings and recommendations to the project sponsor in the gate review. ( 5 ) Control Phase. The purpose of the control phase is to document the results of the project, and to develop monitoring and control measures to be used for self-assessment and sustaining improvements long term. This phase involves the following main activities: ( 1 ) documenting the project including the improved process, ( 2 ) developing and instituting monitoring and control measures to sustain improvements long term, and ( 3 ) handing off project documentation to the process owner. The execution of a Lean Six Sigma project can vary depending on project scope and complexity. Typically, the DMAIC phases are executed in 3 - 6 months. However, under certain conditions they are execute...