Six Sigma, a data-driven method for improving business and quality performance, has been recently published as a two-part ISO standard.
Six Sigma projects follow a defined sequence of steps with quantified goals and financial targets—cost reduction and/or profit increase, and rely on statistical tools to deal with uncertainty.
Implementation involves the establishment of an infrastructure with specific roles and responsibilities. The new standard, ISO 13053:2011, Quantitative methods in process improvement—Six Sigma, deals exclusively with the application of Six Sigma to ameliorate existing processes and is published in the following two parts. Part One describes the methodology: Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve and Control (DMAIC); and recommends best practices on the roles, expertise and training of personnel involved in such projects. Part Two describes tools and techniques, illustrated by factsheets, to be used in each phase of the DMAIC approach.
“Six Sigma can be used to effectively address serious chronic business issues.,” said Dr Michèle Boulanger, President , JISC-Statistics and Co-chair of the subcommittee that developed the standard. “Organisations can deploy Six Sigma projects to increase customer satisfaction and become more competitive.” She added, “Publication of the Six Sigma methodology in an ISO standard is likely to boost international uptake of the methodology in a coherent form, reduce fragmentation, and provide users with harmonised best practice.”
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
