Arguably the biggest innovation to process improvement in the 20th century, the Six Sigma process improvmeent methodology continues to drive change in the 21st century by reducing variability in production and service delivery.  By applying scientific tools and techniques to solve significant business problems, Six Sigma Methodologies like DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) and DFSS (Design for Six Sigma) dramatically improve product design and production quality.

Versed in the methodology, tools and certified in Six Sigma, Cedar Point Consultants can successfully improve processes throughout the value chain.  During our engagement, we utliize proven Six Sigma process improvement tools and techniques like:

• Affinity, Scatter, SIPOC, and Cause & Effect (Ishikawa) Diagramming
• Control/Run and Flow Charting
• Kano Analysis
• Customer Surveying
• House of Quality/Quality Function Deployment
• Brainstorming
• Design of Experiments
• Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA)
• Flow Charting
• Process Mapping
• Mistake Proofing (Poka Yoke)

DMAIC Process Improvement

In Six Sigma projects, Cedar Point Consulting uses the DMAIC process improvement methodology to improve the quality of an existing process by reducing variation and eliminating waste (Lean).  As defined by isixsigma.com, the five phases of the DMAIC process improvement methodology are:

• Define the Customer, their Critical to Quality (CTQ) issues, and the Core Business Process involved.
• Measure the performance of the Core Business Process involved.
• Analyze the data collected and process map to determine root causes of defects and opportunities for improvement.
• Improve the target process by designing creative solutions to fix and prevent problems.
• Control the improvements to keep the process on the new course.

DMADV and Design for Six Sigma Process Improvement

In projects where a product or service needs to be re-designed from the ground up via Design for Six Sigma, Cedar Point Consulting uses the DMADV process improvement approach, which consists of these five steps:

• Define the project goals and customer (internal and external) deliverables
• Measure and determine customer needs and specifications
• Analyze the process options to meet the customer needs
• Design (detailed) the process to meet the customer needs
• Verify the design performance and ability to meet customer needs

To learn more about our capabilities with Six Sigma process improvement, contact Cedar Point Consulting and ask to speak with a representative from our process improvement practice area.