The Impact on a Global Scale

Green manufacturing and clean energy are getting attention on a global scale.  The United States, Brazil and China have made new commitments to fight climate change. The United States unveiled a Clean Power Plan to reduce carbon pollution. The United Nations is taking great strides to take on climate change worldwide. All of these efforts to improve clean energy and climate change have a direct impact on manufacturing. Whether it is a reduction in auto emission standards or clean energy efforts, manufacturing will be at the forefront of the initiatives. Unfortunately, some of these initiatives have fallen short or lack support on a global scale. As an example, experts compare the current climate of 2015 China to the climate of 1974 Pittsburgh. Clearly, global creativity and cooperation is what will be required moving forward.

Green Manufacturing Gains Momentum

Green manufacturing is a good idea in terms of the environment, and also for business on a global scale. Even though new environmental regulations are cropping up around the globe, leading companies are very focused on taking the initiative. They are becoming laser focused on reducing waste and improving energy use, not because of regulation but because of the long term impact of their practices. Companies are looking at the use of energy, water and materials and how they can reduce or eliminate them from their manufacturing process. These same companies are finding that the Internet of Things (IoT) with connectivity, software improvements and innovative devices are becoming valuable tools in improving green manufacturing. These new devices and their connectivity are proving to be efficient and effective in their quality improvement initiatives. The connectivity created by the industrial Internet makes it easier to track resource consumption. When companies are reducing waste and energy in their manufacturing processes, they gain a significant awareness of the importance of green manufacturing.

The Future of Green Manufacturing

There is a serious interest and commitment to green initiatives in the global manufacturing industry. It is a key component of operating a sustainable business that helps uncover hidden in manufacturing, while creating value for the environment, the stakeholders, and the greater community both now and in the future. As leaders from around the world look at ways to reduce carbon pollution, manufacturers will make their operations more energy efficient.

The post Green Manufacturing: Is It Gaining Momentum? appeared first on shmula.

Understanding the Challenges

An innovative startup faces daunting challenged right out of the gate. According to a Forbes, 90% of all startups FAIL. Let that sink in for a moment. Nine out of ten startups will fail! That is a sobering fact for entrepreneurs when they are investing time and money into a new business. The fact is, new entrepreneurs need a cold, hard dose of reality when considering entering the realm of competition. Why those bold entrepreneurs continue to jump into the fire, despite all of these facts, is the challenge. An entrepreneur thrives on challenges, and it drives them to overcome opposition and fight to win. This competitive environment requires fledgling entrepreneurs work harder, smarter and use every possible competitive edge to survive. Six Sigma is that competitive advantage for entrepreneurs to become agile, and eventually successful.

The Innovative Startup Strategy

An innovative startup faces numerous challenges right out of the gate. The first and foremost is the competition. They are entering an arena where other entrepreneurs are successfully operating. Surfing the competitive hurdle requires that they can deliver a product or service that is of higher quality, more affordable and with more ease to the consumer in a timely manner. A new entrepreneur can compete at the levels by deploying a logical Six Sigma program. Differentiation by utilizing a robust Six Sigma strategy will provide significant agility with competing businesses. Embracing this strategy of continuous improvement creates an environment for innovation to blossom. Nurturing and encouraging that innovation pushes a startup forward, without spreading assets too thin.

Finding a Balance For Success

An innovative startup that reaches successful position have found balance in their position. Six Sigma strategies that are properly implemented will fuel innovation, balance asset allocation, and keep a focus on continuous quality improvement. Finding that balance and remaining agile in a continuously changing environment will keep an innovative startup out of that 90% segment that fails.

The post Innovative Startup: Take The Initiative With Six Sigma appeared first on shmula.

The Noise of Government Bureaucracy

Can Six Sigma filter through government bureaucracy for success? That may be a tough question to ask. The multi-layered silos of government bureaucracy have been hardened over time. To most, those silos are impenetrable and hope of meaningful change is fleeting. The reputation of our government is such that it is not exactly the ideal fit for a robust and energetic Six Sigma program. Some contend that adding Six Sigma methodology to government operations would simply add another bureaucratic silo hardened against any hope of change. However, most believe that the time is ripe for implementing Six Sigma methodologies across all levels of government.

Filtering with Six Sigma

The post Can Six Sigma Filter Through Government Bureaucracy? appeared first on shmula.

Setting the Quality Standard

Are you modeling quality in your profession? When we look at successful leaders, they are the ones who are consistently modeling the behavior they expect. You won’t find a task on their daily to-do list reminding them to model their behavior at all times. It is a deeply engrained habit that is driven from deep inside them. It is a focus on success and the steps to being successful come to them very naturally. No matter what they are doing or where they are, they are modeling success and hold people accountable. You have to dearly love what you do and profess that love to others every day.

Consistent and Continuous Improvement

One of the most successful contemporary leaders of our time is Steve Jobs. His vision, passion and commitment to quality were not only inspired but extremely intense. On a daily basis, he woke up with a burning passion for his work. He eliminated clutter and mindless distraction from his world to enable him to keep and maintain a laser focus on what was important. These qualities allowed him to develop and produce some of the most innovative products that changed the face of culture in the world. Steve Jobs never accepted work that he considered to be trivial, unfocused or mindless. He consistently held people accountable with a passion and drove them to reach their highest potential. His efforts pushed his innovation forward at a pace unmatched by others. He never lost sight of the most important reason ‘why’ he did his work … which was the customer. Everything that Steve Jobs developed was strictly with the customer in mind and it hinged completely on their total satisfaction with the product.

Moving Forward with Passion

It is said that success leaves clues. For professionals practicing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, Steve Jobs habits cannot be ignored. Our professionals demand the same standards as what Steve Jobs promoted. We expect continous and consistent improvement in everything we do. Lean and Six Sigma professionals are harmoniously aligned with the leadership inspirations of Steve Jobs. At the end of the day, we strive to create an environment that is solely driven by the customer. We all share the same passion for success.

The post Lean Six Sigma: Are You Modeling Quality? appeared first on shmula.

Organizing the Deployment

Sigma Sigma deployment is about organizing and planning the implementation of the strategy. If you look to the military as an example, planning and preparation for a deployment is scientific and methodic. Forward thinking planners have studied and visualize the deployment. They have experts that use standards and table of data that have been proven over time to be accurate. Resources and staffing are assigned based on the mission. Timetables for the deployment are established, and sources are put into motion in order to meet the objectives of deployment with perfect precision. Personnel understand the mission and are trained to the highest standards prior to deployment. When the date arrives, all elements come together in perfect harmony and deployment plans are precisely executed. Leaders expect the unexpected and have allowed for flexibility to adeptly pivot to meet the mission of the deployment. In the end … mission is accomplished in the deployment phase.

Precision in Six Sigma Deployment

When you look at it, there is very little difference between a military deployment and the deployment of a Six Sigma program. Six Sigma is a methodology that is rooted in accuracy and precision, much like the military. Six Sigma uses tools and methodologies that are tried and true, known to achieve success when practiced appropriately. Experts agree that implementing a successful Six Sigma deployment strategy requires planning and training, based on an effective infrastructure. Deployment strategies and structure are based on the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology:

D: Define the strategic direction of the organization
M: Set measures for the strategic objectives of the organization
A: On a continual basis, collect data on the measures set and analyze using Six Sigma tools and techniques
I: Identify the opportunities for improvement and convert them to Six Sigma projects for improvement
C: Set up a management control action of continuous reviews on the improvements made on Six Sigma projects

Executing the Plan

Once you have executed the DMAIC methodology, your deployment will be on track and focused on accomplishing the mission. Just like in military planning, you have ensured that all Six Sigma resources and personnel are trained and prepared for deployment. All of the tools available to a Six Sigma professional have been rehearsed and are fully implemented. As the deployment is implemented, everyone from the Champion through the leaders are fully engaged to ensure that success is achieved and you can declare … MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

The post Six Sigma Deployment: Get it Right From the Beginning appeared first on shmula.

Highlighting the Struggle

Finding the balance between the bold strokes of entrepreneurship and the structured constraints of strategy can create a whirlwind in a business. The vision of an entrepreneur brings to mind a bold, unbridled risk-taker willing to bet everything for success, no matter what the odds. That spirit is what created the Industrial Age in America. Robber barons and moguls built the industrial and financial strength of this country through bold and audacious entrepreneurship. However, that type of unbridled action can just plain scare some entrepreneurs into a state of inaction. They depend on strategy and planning to implement their entrepreneurial vision. That type of structure brings a sense of confidence and control for those entrepreneurs. But when there is too much strategy and structure applied in business, it can choke a business, restrict growth and dampen innovation. The key to finding success for entrepreneurs is finding a balance between the two.

Balancing Entrepreneurship with Lean Strategies

Find a balance between audacious entrepreneurship and the structure of Lean strategies can be a delicate balancing act, but one that must be mastered. Lean strategies provide direction and alignment. It serves as both a screen that innovation must pass and a yardstick for evaluating the success of that innovation. Lean strategies allow and encourage frontline employees to be creative, while ensuring that they remain on the same page with the rest of the organization and pursue only worthwhile opportunities. Entrepreneurship at its most pure level brings vision, spirit and creative innovation to the business. It strikes a fire that fuels the success of the entrepreneur and the business venture.

Soaring to Unimagined Heights

Imagine the engine thrust of a modern jet airliner. Without the restraint and focus of the engine design and aeronautical constraints of that design, the thrust produced would be a tempest unleashed and ultimately wasted. With proper design, structure and focus, the thrust of the jet engine can be precisely controlled to achieve the maximum desired effect. Lean strategies are the structure, constraint and focus of a high spirited entrepreneur.

The post Entrepreneurship: Balancing Bold vs. Strategic appeared first on shmula.

Setting the Stage

Getting the best results from a group can be tricky. Preconceived notions and beliefs coupled with departmental silos create a stalemate for creativity. The purpose of an affinity diagram is to organize a large number of ideas into their natural relationships. This method taps a team’s creativity and intuition. Created in the 1960s by Japanese anthropologist Jiro Kawakita, it can be used very effectively to organize the ideas extracted from a brainstorming exercise where people from diverse and unrelated departments come together to solve a complex problem. To ensure the best results, you must create an atmosphere of trust and safety, where opinions are free to flow without any constraints.

Innovation from an Affinity Diagram

To achieve the best results,  the affinitizing process is best performed by bringing all the team members or stakeholders involved into a room and allowing them to post sticky notes with single ideas on a board or flipchart. There is no attempt to organize the ideas at this point, until all ideas are up on the board and are visible to all. It is very important that no one talk during this step. Not being allowed to talk discourages arguments and justifications. The idea is to go for the gut feeling rather than rational pontification, and speed rather than deliberation is the order of the day. Look for ideas that seem to be related in some way. Place them side by side. Repeat until all notes are grouped. It’s okay to have “loners” that don’t seem to fit a group. It’s all right to move a note someone else has already moved. If a note seems to belong in two groups, make a second note. Once you have completed this process, you can now talk. Allow the participants to discuss the shape of the chart, any surprising patterns, and especially reasons for moving controversial notes. A few more changes may be made. When ideas are grouped, select a heading for each group. Look for a note in each grouping that captures the meaning of the group. Place it at the top of the group. If there is no such note, write one. Often it is useful to write or highlight this note in a different color.

Focus Leads to Success

The goal of the Affinity Diagram group is to meld the perspectives, opinions, and insights of a group of people who are knowledgeable about the issues. The process works best when there are no more than five or six participants. The most valuable results from an Affinity diagram is that it forces the team members to move beyond preconceived notions and patterns of thinking towards more intuitive and unconventional solutions.

The post Affinity Diagram: Getting the Best Results appeared first on shmula.

What Am I Pitching?

A3 Reports are a simple and concise way of reporting project progress and analytical data. There comes a moment where you are asked for a quick update on your project. In that moment, you need to have an ‘elevator pitch’ ready for your project. The A3 Report prepares you for just such a situation. It puts a clear, concise overview of your project at your fingertips.

The Power of the A3 Report

It’s just a piece of paper. But, it’s one of the most powerful and effective Lean tools available.  An A3 Report is a generic name applied to a document written on a large sheet of paper. It refers to the international standard for an 11-by-17-inch paper. The A3 process is a Toyota-pioneered practice of getting a problem, an analysis, a corrective action, and an action plan written down on a single sheet of large paper, often with the use of simple graphics. An A3 Report should contain the following information:

• Background – A brief description of the problem. Telling the story.
• Current Situation – Visual depictions of the problem.
• Analysis – Work performed to determine root cause(s).
• Goal – What does the situation need to be.
• Recommendations – Describe the solution(s).
• Implementation Plan – Tasks, start dates, duration, responsibilities, and completion status.
• Follow Up – Ensure you are maintaining.
• Results Report – Charted progress of measurable results.

Results and Outcomes

Never underestimate the power of the A3 Report. When properly accomplished, it can provide insight and complete clarity to those both inside and outside the scope of the project. Don’t allow yourself to believe this is a quick ‘fill in the blank’ form. It requires thought and preparation to properly document the data fields. You are trying to tell a complete story of your project on one page, in other words, provide an ‘elevator pitch’ for the advocacy of your project. The same quality and thoughtful preparation that goes in will provide the absolute best results.

The post A3 Report: Mastering the Elevator Pitch appeared first on shmula.

What Is Really Going On?

Do you have an effective 5S program or a great housekeeping model? You maybe just going through the motions. For some, a lack of understanding of what a 5S program should be relegates the process to a very effective housekeeping program for the organization with embracing the results of quality improvement. The elements of the 5S program (Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain) are often mistaken for effective housekeeping. On the surface, those elements are cleaning processes. What are the reasons for each element of 5S? They take you from cleanliness to an in-depth exploration of understanding and quality improvement.

Applying the Elements of a 5S Program

A good 5S program produces good housekeeping, but it is just an outcome, not the goal. With that said, 5S should be a problem prevention program and a way to identify and fix problems when they are still very small, thus preventing big problems. When we observe something out of place with 5S, the process should be repeated until we find the root cause and take action. With that in mind, you must use the 5Y (why, why, why, why, why) until you have determined the root source of the problem. Often enough, asking 5 times is not enough, and the more you ask why, the deeper you dive into a problem. It is crucial to understand the intent of the 5S program and couple that with the 5Y to ensure that your results are quality focused. There have been examples on manufacturing floors where their zeal to achieve the 5S’s has resulted in a state of hyper cleanliness. That is all well and good, but they are ignoring the 5Y’s. Leaking fluid, shavings on the floor or loose parts are clear indications of problems. If your focus is one lean, those issues will get quickly resolved without a clear understanding on why they happened.

Taking Control of Quality

The key to success is to ensure that your commitment is to quality, not cleanliness. Focus on the elements of 5S will start the process and it will be effectively expanding when coupled with the 5Y. When you see a loose part or fluid pool on the floor, don’t just pick it up or clean it up. Your 5S has led you to the problem, now expand the 5Y until you clearly can grasp why those situations exist and how they will reconcile. Be tenacious! Everyone in the organization must understand the purpose of 5S and why it must be embraced for what it is. Housekeeping and cleanliness are valuable, but don’t get carried away down the wrong path.

The post 5S Program: A Quality Tool or Good Housekeeping? appeared first on shmula.

Is There a Problem?

Is there a problem with root cause analysis? Depends on how you look at it. First, let’s understand what it is. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a method of problem solving used for identifying the root causes of faults or problems. A factor is considered a root cause if removal thereof from the problem-fault-sequence prevents the final undesirable event from recurring. Just by the singular title, some look for that single, underlying problem or issue that needs to be resolved. The name itself implies that there is only one root cause, when in reality most problems are usually caused by a complex combination of several factors, some of which are more significant than others.

A Thorough Examination Through Root Cause Analysis

For some, this may be a simple case of semantics. The fact remains that in many cases when using the RCA tool, quality experts find it simple enough to claim victory in a situation with a singular causation. That could be accurate, but more times than not, it simply isn’t the case. An issue that requires attention may have a varied mix of simple and complex causes for failure. To properly address some of these issues requires a structured approach to brainstorming. This will guide the problem-solving team through the various categories of potential causal factors so that the team does not overlook some potentially important causes which lurk in the shadows. The most efficient quality experts will opt for having a cross-functional team help explore the possible causes and potential solution to the problem. Nothing short of a through and exhaustive examination will suffice.

Getting Results That Stick

When the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is properly exercised, the varied and complex issues will be brought to light. It requires a multi-disciplined approach that is both systematic and based on fact. Achieving long term quality improvements starts with an effective root case analysis. The best approach is a properly designed, sequential set of experiments. If a solution exists, a thorough RCA offers the best chance for thoroughly understanding all the issues involved, no matter how complex or simplistic.

The post Root Cause Analysis: Is There Risk Involved? appeared first on shmula.

Prepare for Take Off

Control plans. They are crucial to the success of any operation or business venture. The more technical or complex the situation, the more crucial a control plan is to achieve the desired results. The perfect example of control plans exist in the aviation industry. From the gate to flight operations and back to the gate, pilots and aircraft operate in a state of absolute control. The control excised ensure a successful and desire outcome for the airline and the passenger. Pilots take charge of the aircraft prior to the flight and accept a flight plan or script for the flight, which covers every aspect of the operation. Departure time, taxi plan, take off runway, speeds, altitudes, routes to the destination, arrival runway and arrival gate are all outlined. This level of control assures a methodical and controlled operation from beginning to end. The pilots responsibility to execute the plan with precision to achieve the desired outcomes. Along the way, there will be variables and unpredictable variations. The pilot is then responsible to meet those variances safely and then bring the operation back into harmony with the plan to achieve the desired outcome.

Flying High With a Control Plan

A Six Sigma control plan is no different than a flight plan for the airlines. It is a written summary of the process that lays out in detail the steps to be taken to maintain a process or a device operating at the current level of performance. During the flight, a Six Sigma professional is just like a pilot, they engage tools that ensure performance that is in harmony with a control plan. Just like the pilot, a Six Sigma professionals performance can be monitored, checked and verified at any point in the plan to ensure the plan is in effect. A few sample elements of a control plan could include chart type, champion, location, and measurement methods.

When variances and unexpected deviations occur, the Six Sigma professional can manipulate and execute the use of tools to bring the operation back into harmony with the plan. The entire process is clearly defined, transparent and logical from beginning to end.

Cleared to Land

When properly prepared and executed, a control plan brings clarity and understanding to any operation. It demands attention and requires professionals to execute their practice in a precious manner, while properly handling unexpected deviation. The operation will truly achieve the desired results when it is given proper attention and control. When the flight arrives at the gate and the engines shut down, a Six Sigma professional will have achieved the best recognition possible … Mission Accomplished!

The post Control Plan: Are You Really in Control? appeared first on shmula.

It Only Works For Manufacturing

Lean Principles: They only work in manufacturing. It’s a statement you hear more often than not. Even though many organizations across the service industry are adopting Lean principles and practices, the concept just hasn’t been sold. So many understand the value of Lean principles, but just cannot get their head wrapped around how it would apply to them in the services sector. They don’t manufacture a ‘widget’ and they don’t see a production line, with idle workers or backlogged production. Without those situations challenging them daily, they just don’t understand the connection.

Lean Principles in the Service Industry

A typical observation within the service processes is a variation of the “80-20” rule: a small percentage of work typically eats up a disproportionate amount of time. In one internal support function, 75% of transactions took less than five minutes to process. The remaining 25 %, more complex transactions, account for 60% of the total time expended daily. These examples can be a huge drain on productivity and are typical for many service processes. In manufacturing, the ‘widget’ is the product. In the service industry, the customer is the product and their satisfaction is the focus of the process. When satisfaction is missing, the ‘widget’ is broken and product is not going out the door. The customers then abandon the organization in favor of a competitor that does offer the right ‘widget’.

Service Quality and Focus

Implementing Lean practices and principles is really about a mindset and change management. Without a tangible ‘widget’, employees are your best insight into practices and customer behavior. Involve them from the beginning of any process and you will get their buy-in and support. Making continuous improvement will then make a permanent change in the culture and produce the change you are seeking. The elusive ‘widget’ will then become tangible and visible to those in the services that you are providing. Add to that unwavering support from the top and encouraging teamwork at all levels, and you will have found the right way to apply Lean practices to your service organization.

The post Lean Principles: Do They Work in The Service Industry? appeared first on shmula.

It’s a Dirty Business

Cleanliness is a dirty business. It is undervalued and underestimated by most businesses. No matter what industry you operate in, cleanliness is a crucial point of measure for customers and employees alike. More and more, customers are becoming focused on the smallest detail of your operation. Cleanliness is the king of first impressions! From gum on the sidewalks and entrances, to dust on framing, dirty floors and unkept or unsanitary restrooms, customers see all and judge you accordingly. For manufacturing or other operations that have no physical customer presence, you are not off the hook. Your employees are customers and they are critical of cleanliness in the businesses they frequent. Those same employees bring that critical eye into your business and evaluate it with the same intensity. If your manufacturing facility is dirty, you are sending a strong message to your employees that you don’t care about their comfort, health and welfare. Unfortunately, cleaning services are one of the first areas looked at when cost savings must be achieved in an organization. Each time there are cutbacks, the cleanliness of your facility declines. It’s a never ending downward spiral that can eventually become very costly when you try to recover.

Cleanliness Sparkles and Shines

Business operations must have a through and effective cleaning program that gets results on a daily basis. Your facility gets dirty on a daily basis and your program must be effective to maintain standards. Thats where Lean principles and the 5S’s need to been practiced across all aspects of your business, not just the manufacturing floor or in customer interactions and service delivery. Within the 5S Principles (Sorting, Set-In-Order, Shining, Standardization, and Sustaining), cleaning is well represented. Sorting eliminates clutter. Set-In-Order creates organization. Shining cleans and polishes. Standardization and Sustaining allows employers to maintain the Lean environment. From the outermost perimeter of your property to the inner sanctums of the facility, the 5S principle must be exercised diligently with cleanliness. You can never underestimated the power of ” shine and sparkle” when it comes to your facility. Cleanliness pays off in all aspects of your operations. It has a direct impact in Customer Satisfaction and Employee Satisfaction.

Maintaining the Highest Standards

Achieving and maintaining the highest possible cleanliness standards is really one of the easiest things a business can do on a daily basis. It is not hard to judge or evaluate. When you look at any part of your plant or facility, you can ask one simple question, “Is It Clean or Dirty?” You don’t have to possess multiple degrees or special training to answer the question. It’s black or white (no pun intended). If it’s clean, then you are on track. It it’s dirty, you have some work to do. Don’t fool yourself, it is just that simple. By practicing the proper 5S principles with cleanliness with the same attention and focus as the rest of your operation, you will be on track.

The post Cleanliness: Learn to Shine with Lean Principles appeared first on shmula.

Understanding The Reach

Are there hidden Six Sigma Benefits in your program? Most people understand that Six Sigma is a management methodology which allows companies to use data to eliminate defects in any process. For a process to have achieved Six Sigma benefits, a process must not produce a defect – that is anything outside of customer specifications – more often than 3.4 times per million opportunities. Organizations believe that the benefits are fairly black & white. Improvements traditionally are considered to be related to quality, customer service, employee satisfaction and revenue streams. These are also the main areas that organizations target and focus their Six Sigma efforts on. The question is, what are the unique benefits that Six Sigma programs can produce?

Unexpected Six Sigma Benefits

Let’s expand the vision a moment and look at 6 unexpected Six Sigma benefits:

1. Improved Customer Loyalty – We often don’t know we have customer service issues until after the customer leaves. Run a Voice Of the Customer (VOC) study which helps your business understand which of your products attributes are critical to the customer’s perception of satisfaction. Hear what you are missing.
2. Time Management – Employing a Six Sigma methodology at your business can help employees manage their time effectively, resulting in a more a efficient business and more productive employees. Isn’t this what we all are seeking?
3. Reduced Cycle Time – You can set up a team of experienced employees from all levels within the organization and from every functional department. The team is then given the task of identifying factors that could negatively affect the project leading to long cycle times.
4. Employee Motivation – They say the concept of motivation is simply creating an environment for success. Organizations who are willing to fully engage with employees have consistently demonstrated 25 – 50 percent increases in productivity.
5. Strategic Planning – Actions without plans are nothing but dreams. Six Sigma can play an integral part in any strategic vision. Once your business has used a created a mission statement and carried out a SWOT analysis, Six Sigma can then help you focus on areas for improvement.
6. Supply Chain Management – One of the possible ways to reduce the risk of defect is to use Six Sigma to drive down the number of suppliers your businesses has, as this in turn reduces the risk of defects. The most successful organizations drive their Six Sigma improvements as far up the supply chain as possible.

Cast a Wide Net

When implementing a Six Sigma program in your organization, don’t limit your organization to the traditional. Cast the widest net possible when searching for improvement. Look for those hidden or understated opportunities, for which in the end, could make a big difference!

The post Six Sigma Benefits: These 6 Are A Bonus! appeared first on shmula.

Experience Counts

Veterans, your experience counts! In the professional world, the attributes you bring to the table are exactly what organizations are seeking. That is especially true in the practice of Six Sigma and Lean methodologies. Some will ask though, just what does a veteran bring to the table in the business environment? Let’s walk through the skills veterans possess:

• Discipline – They are disciplined in every action or manner. The saying goes that if you are early, then you are on time. If you are on time, you are late. That attention to detail is applied to their dress, speech, manners, character and personal appearance. They never have to be asked twice.
• Attention to Detail – From the 1st day of basic training, they are taught to pay attention to the smallest of detail. It is an ingrained behavior.
• Process Oriented – The military operates on rules, regulations and process. If it is done in the military, then there is a manual for it. But any successful soldier will tell you, they look outside of the box to find a better way. Veterans are creative and think outside the box.
• Mission Focused – Veterans are never unsure of what the mission is. They ensure they always understand every aspect of the mission and the expectations outlined to accomplish it. No matter what obstacles they endure, the mission will be accomplished.
• Loyalty and Devotion – They are 100% committed to their organization and mission. There is always a chain of command and it is always used. They know how to give orders and take orders. A great military leader is also a great military follower. You cannot lead if you cannot follow.

Veterans Make A Difference

The Department of Defense (DOD) is considered to be among the most prominent advocates of Lean and Six Sigma techniques in the public sector, as are the branches of the nation’s armed forces. For example, the U.S. Navy’s Office of Naval Research notes on its website that its Lean Six Sigma efforts seek to “improve productivity, encourage innovation and foster a culture of change in the pursuit of excellence.” The U.S. Army, meanwhile, honors efforts to improve business processes through its Lean/Six Sigma Excellence Awards Program (LEAP). In 2011, PEO Ammo was among those honored, recognized for introducing a slate of Lean Six Sigma projects that saved the Army about $160 million that year.

Veterans are the perfect fit for future positions as Six Sigma and Lean practitioners. They possess the qualities, temperament and professional discipline that makes a difference. Veterans also have earned their positions of trust and responsibility through hard work and hands on applications. When you consider these factors, along with the security clearances they have been entrusted with, there can be no other candidate for a career in Lean or Six Sigma.

The post Veterans: Lean Six Sigma Seeking Your Skills appeared first on shmula.

How Do We Remember

Memorial Day. How do we remember and honor those the day is set aside for? Memorial Day started off as a somber day of remembrance; a day when Americans went to cemeteries and placed flags or flowers on the graves of our war dead. Originally called “Decoration Day,” this remembrance began following one of the most poignant eras in our country’s history. Between 1864 and 1866, just after the end of the American Civil War, community leaders established a date upon which we could honor both Union and Confederate war dead. It was a day to remember ancestors, family members, and loved ones who gave the ultimate sacrifice. But now, too many people “celebrate” the day without more than a casual thought to the purpose and meaning of the day.

Memorial Day Is For Reflection

How do we honor the 1.8 million that gave their life for America since 1775? How do we thank them for their sacrifice? We believe Memorial Day is one day to remember. The course of history has been forged by these heroic men and women of the Armed Forces who honorably served and sacrificed for their nation. Their individual acts of selfless bravery should be a reminder to all of us that there is a cost to being a part of this great nation. To put this into a modern perspective, during the past decades of all the volunteer military, less than 1% of eligible Americans have served their country. Of those who served, fewer have sacrificed. It should bring pause and reflection to every American that so few are defending the nation and paying the ultimate sacrifice for freedom. Before setting off on your weekend adventure, reflect on the true meaning of the holiday. It is a solemn occasion deserving of your time and respect.

The post Memorial Day: Honoring Service and Sacrifice appeared first on shmula.

Understanding the Path

Trend charts are a crucial Six Sigma tool. Making decisions based on small samples of data can present an inaccurate representation of facts. Small data samples typically fail to present the true situation based on varied factors. The best decision making practices look at the past, present and future, in depth. Leaders make better quality decisions when they understand varied factors and true performance.

A Proven Track Record Using Trend Charts

Trend charts provide a clear indication of where you have been, where you are at and where you are going. They capture detailed and specific data, over specific time periods. These charts are not simple short bursts or snapshots of data. The value of a trend chart comes with time. The graphical representation of time series data (information in sequence over time) shows the trend line or curve that reveals a general pattern of change.  A good trend chart has the following characteristics:

• Title: Accurately describes the subject of the chart.
• Labels: Clearly identifies information on the vertical Y-axis and horizontal X-axis to describe the measurement and the time period.
• Legend:  Differentiates the plotted lines.
• Appropriate Scales:  Narrow enough to show variation.
• Limited Characteristics: Helps avoid confusion from too many lines.
• Time Frame: Appropriate and encompassing.
• Notations: Made on any major spikes.
• Targets or Goals: Noted on the chart for reference.
• Who Prepared the Chart:  In case there are questions about the chart or the data.

Analyzing performance data over time, allows for a variety of situational factors. All processes vary, so single point measurements can be misleading. Displaying data over time increases understanding of the real performance of a process, particularly with regard to an established target or goal.

Sound Decisions

Leaders make better decisions based upon factual clarity. Trend charts bring that clarity to the decision making process. History is a great teacher and we learn a great deal from these representations. Past performance over time gives us a better understanding of the facts under varied conditions. This data then allows us to project and forecast with a much higher level of accuracy as to the future performance of any given situation.

The post Trend Charts: Understanding The Past, Present and Future appeared first on shmula.

Recognizing Success

Excellence is the standard. Professional recognition from your peer group is always a humbling honor. It is a mark of true accomplishment and professionalism. Recently, Thomas VanEimeren, a Lean Six Sigma practitioner with Arrow Electronic was appropriately recognized for a career of accomplishments. Thomas was recognized as a Global Top Lean Sigma practitioner. This award was bestowed by The LMJ, which is a business improvement magazine covering lean, operational excellence and continuous improvement that acts as a bridge between academia and industry. 

A Story of Excellence

Thomas is a Continuous Process Improvement Leader for Arrow Electronics global logistics and supply chain operations. During the last eight years of a 20 year career with Arrow, Thomas has led more than 200 projects. He is a member of the Lean Benchmarking Council, the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and APICS. Thomas was recognized with the “Innovation of the Year” award at the Lean & Six Sigma World Conference. He was also named a finalist in the 2016 Gartner High-Tech Manufacturing Supply Chainnovators awards. 

Success Leaves Clues

When you closely examine professional success, you will find that success leaves clues! Professional success and recognition from a peer group is one of the highest honors bestowed upon a practitioner of Lean Six Sigma. It then becomes a game of inches when determining honors and recognition that is awarded. The best of the best always work just a little bit harder, have just a little more focus and reach just a little bit higher for the achievement. Professionals celebrate the success of peers and they let that success drive them to the next level. The years of focus, leadership and just plain old fashioned hard work elevate them to the pinnacle of the Lean Six Sigma profession. Start looking at the clues of success. Get out of your comfort zone and challenge yourself to rise higher. Constant and consistent quality improvement is the hallmark of the Lean Six Sigma professional.

The post Lean Six Sigma Practitioner Receives Global Award of Excellence appeared first on shmula.

Changing the Culture

Innovation and changing the culture of a healthcare organization can be a monumental challenge. Innovation can be defined as the process of translating an idea or invention into a good or service that creates value or for which customers will pay. To be called an innovation, an idea must be replicable at an economical cost and must satisfy a specific need. Innovation involves deliberate application of information, imagination and initiative in deriving greater or different values from resources, and includes all processes by which new ideas are generated and converted into useful products. Changing the culture and breaking down the silos of a healthcare organization is crucial to inviting in innovation.

Finding Innovation

Healthcare is under pressure! There are intense demands to improve performance across all spectrums of the business. Operating costs are continually rising just as the true the cost of their services are being aggressively challenged. Healthcare organizations are quickly turning to innovation as a way to survive these turbulent times. Organizations are using idea campaigns and idea games as methods to generate innovative processes. These two methods take the presumed level of innovative decision making out of the C-Suite or leadership levels and put it right in the lap of the front line staff. Idea campaigns are time-limited events focused on generating and selecting ideas for achieving incremental improvement in critical measures of performance. Idea games are events focused on generating, selecting, and funding ideas for achieving dramatic improvement.

Getting Desired Results

Seeking innovation and creative insights into change with these two methods are producing results for organizations. Both methods blend perfectly into the continuous quality improvement focus of Lean Six Sigma. They are clearly demonstrating how creative thinking and open communications can initiate change in a corporate culture that is typically highly resistant. When carefully planned and implemented, idea campaigns and idea games offer healthcare significant opportunity for engaging their entire organization.

The post Innovation: Changing the Culture In Healthcare appeared first on shmula.

Are You Getting Noticed?

Competitive hiring. It’s a tough world in this job market! When searching for a new job, think about how many resumes you submitted or applications filled out. It was probably a surprisingly large number. Now, out of all those submissions, how many responses did you get? That number was probably surprisingly small, as compared to the number of submissions you made. What is really going on in the job market and why are you not getting the results you have expected? There are a number of reasons why you are not getting results in a job search. However, there are a few solid reasons you need to consider if you are looking to get into a new position.

Learn to Stand Out in a Competitive Hiring Environment

Recent studies have show that since 2007, talent shortages across all industries have increased by 38%. This is a record number. Couple this talent shortage with a strengthening economy and you have arrived at the perfect storm. How could there be such a significant shortage of talent? That is easy… the competition is getting tougher. Individual applicants are strengthening their marketable skills, responding to an ever changing environment. Corporate recruiters are now becoming much more aggressive when competing for applicants with these specific and unique skills. Their competition is trying to poach your top talent due to the limited amount of qualified candidates in the market. To compete in this ever changing environment, you must learn to stand out among the masses.

Achieving Success and the Perfect Opportunity 

Lean Six Sigma professionals are not exempt from this unique hiring environment. It goes without saying, you must learn to compete with your peers to achieve success. Recruiters and hiring managers are going to closely scrutinize your certifications, experience and specialized training. Sometimes even the smallest factor could eliminate you from consideration. Whether you’re looking for a position change or you are seeking promotion and career advancement, start making a difference with your professional skills. Continue to attain your professional certifications. Be eager to take on challenges and projects that will sharpen your skills and heighten your experience level. Attend professional training courses for your certifications or specialized training requirements. When it comes down to two applicants competing for a position, with all factors being the same, one successful project can be the deciding factor.

The post Competitive Hiring: Are You Outstanding in Your Field? appeared first on shmula.