Monday, December 29, 2008

Smooth Transitions To Six Sigma Implementation

By Craig Calvin


For the smooth switching over of business processes to improved and efficient systems developed under Six Sigma initiatives, a smooth implementation of such projects is important. Efforts need to be taken to ensure that the implementation process is not hindered for any reason. Without continuous Six Sigma implementation, the benefits expected from the project will not be achieved.

Effective planning is not just crucial for the Six Sigma projects; it can be beneficial to everyone involved in the organization. For a Six Sigma implementation to have a proper plan in place is vital. These plans should be realistic and achievable. The planning has to be such that the participation of the members involved does not hamper the daily functioning of the organization. If the plans are not effective enough, they may be extra burden added to the daily activities of the business. With proper planning and strategizing for the various stages in the Six Sigma project implementation, you will be ready to face any kind of problem that may arise. In a Six Sigma implementation the biggest risk faced is the resistance to the changes. Considering this factor, strategies have to be designed that will help to overcome or reduce such resistance. Planning should involve resources, strategizing to face the problems that may arise and having a good communication strategy for the project.
Six Sigma project implementation requires a regular supply of the resources required in various stages, be it human or material resources. If the organization is a small enterprise, such resources may be easily provided immediately. However, for larger organizations providing additional and timely logistical support is highly important. If the resources are not provided to team members at vital moments, then project can go off schedule drastically. The unavailability of the resources would mean losses - not just in the process outcome, but it will badly affect the motivation levels of the team. All these factors can affect the Six Sigma implementation negatively.
As stated earlier, the plans have to be made well in advance to ensure that the implementation goes on continuously. Similarly, information about the project has to move freely among various team members such as Green Belts, Black Belts and top management as well. This is why the teams need to have proper communication channels and strategies in place - so that the communication is smooth. Communication of the important decisions made is vital, as well as communicating about the project stages that have been reached. Setting up a communication system has to be of top priority.
Communication of the various activities to the employees at various levels of the business has to be done. This is helpful in addressing resistance to change to a large extent. Communication has to reach out to employees, stakeholders and the senior management as well. Six Sigma is beneficial to all sorts of businesses, big or small. The implementation of such projects has to be continuous to ensure that the business starts to work to its fullest possible level.
About the Author:
Current statistics show that companies pay up to $15,000 more for graduates of the Six Sigma Black Belt training. Visit the premier resource for Six Sigma at www.sixsigmaonline.com if you are thinking about getting your Six Sigma certification.

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