A new study conducted by the Aberdeen Group, “The Lean Six Sigma Benchmark”, finds that companies using technology to support their Six Sigma efforts are much more successful in lowering defect rates. The report examines the strategies, enablers and technologies used by best-in-class lean Six Sigma manufacturers in their pursuit of perfection. More than 400 companies participated in the study, including Boeing, Glaxo SmithKline, Rexam, Tyco Electronics, EMC, General Electric and General Motors.
“Adapting to the rigors of Six Sigma requires significant culture change for most companies, and many find it a challenge. In fact this was reported as the top challenge faced by our participants,” said Aberdeen Group vice president Cindy Jutras. “Yet not all challenges are cultural. Six Sigma methodologies are dependent on data, so data collection can present significant obstacles. Automated data collection and IT (information technology) solutions can play a key role in resolving these obstacles.”
However, report findings show a misalignment of responses to these challenges, with only 19 percent of participants responding by implementing automated data collection and 27 percent deploying IT solutions in support of quality initiatives.
Based on the findings of the report, Jutras offers these recommendations:
· Apply metrics of DPMO (defects per million opportunities) across all business processes in all industries, not just manufactured products and parts.
· Identify and prioritize business impact projects according to anticipated savings and improved throughput. Look first for low-hanging fruit and act now for immediate benefit.
· Integrate data collection with analysis – connect disparate sources of data and alarm users.
The report is available for download at http://www.aberdeen.com/link/sponsor.asp?spid=30410464&cid=3490.
