Saturday, November 8, 2008

Improving the Process Can Be Problematic for the Owner

By Craig Calvin

In the Six Sigma organizational structure, the process owner is an important link. The process owner is responsible for a specific process. They determine how a process operates, whether it satisfies customer requirements and achieves the output which is expected of it. The role of the process owner cannot be ignored in the success of the Six Sigma project.

The most difficult obstacles are in the hands of the process owner. They must make sure the projects are handled effectively and with optimum success. In addition, they have to usher in improvements in every area. They must do so by working with what they are given, or have. Making sure there are the lowest amount of defects and waste while creating the best results are also on their shoulders.

As challenges come up, the process owner will decide the severity of the problem and evaluate as to what the solution may be. They will then decide what the solution will be and how to implement it while making the most of the opportunity for improvement.

The Six Sigma levels at which they are performing currently is identified to understand the level of improvement that is necessary. When a certain level is achieved, say for instance a level of 4 sigma, and then it is time to take efforts toward improving to a higher level of 5 and 6 sigma. The higher the Six Sigma level, the more the controls would be needed to bring down the variations.

In order to raise the Six Sigma level, the process owner has to focus on the improvements that are causing variations. Defects of variations indicate that the process or end product is not meeting the customer's needs.

It becomes extremely important that the process owner listen to the customer's voice. They must also create some quick wins to build momentum to improve problems at the same time. Six Sigma and Lean give these benefits to the process owner to assist them in achieving these standards. Improvements must be in accord with the business goals while keeping the customer focus. - 15359

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