Manufacturing Information
List number 1

Six Sigma can Improve Government Practices

Government bodies at any level, local, state, and Federal, can implement Six Sigma to improve customer service and increase the effectiveness of government. Although Six Sigma has its roots in private-sector manufacturing, it works just as effectively in governmental organizations and government will reap the same benefits as corporations. Many top companies have produced outstanding results wi. . .

Why do we Call these People Black Belts?

Many are surprised that Six Sigma refers to their trained experts as “Belts.” There are Green Belts and Black Belts in Six Sigma, referring to a level of training they have achieved. The term Black Belt is not an empty buzzword nor is it a mockery of organized martial arts. Comparing a Six Sigma Black Belt and Martial Arts Black Belt is a revealing exercise. Just like in martial arts, to obta. . .

Six Sigma for Small Business

It is not surprising that some people may perceive Six Sigma as being only for large corporations. Major corporations such as Allied Signal, Black & Decker, Dow Chemical, Dupont, Federal Express, General Electric, Johnson and Johnson, Kodak, Motorola, Sony, and Toshiba have all rolled out Six Sigma efforts and achieved outstanding results. Yet, it is incorrect to think that Six Sigma process im. . .

Selective Soldering

Automated selective soldering is the fastest growing area within electronic assembly due to the ever increasing pressure to improve product quality and shorten cycle times in the manufacturing process. With more complex, double-sided surface mount assemblies, the use of the traditional wave soldering process to solder through-hole components is no longer an option. The higher density and lower . . .

Why Six Sigma Will Work in Healthcare

If ever there were an industry where we want zero defects, it’s healthcare. Patients, medical professionals, and healthcare administrators all want mistakes eliminated and quality and efficiency improved. Although most industries have undergone some type of data-supported, systematic, quality-improvement process, healthcare still has not. Medical and technological advances continue to outpace p. . .

Managing Teams and Six Sigma

Managing a Six Sigma team is a considerable responsibility. Six Sigma is a team process and requires cooperation at many levels. No one person can manage a Six Sigma project on their own. Just as it is the organization that benefits from Six Sigma, it is the organization that truly manages Six Sigma. Yet, that management must be led by specially trained individuals. Success in managing Six Sigm. . .

Does Six Sigma Need to Have the Support of Upper Management?

The short answer is, “Yes!” The longer answer is, “Yes, and here’s why.” Have you ever had the unfortunate experience of working where management does not fully realize or understand the value of investing the extra time and effort required for quality improvement? Such an experience is certainly not uncommon. You really know the value of upper management support if you are in a corporate clim. . .

Six Sigma is about More Than Just Number Crunching

Top executives who know only that Six Sigma is famous and popular have called for the implementation of Six Sigma programs, and, of course, want to see numbers. They may become very enamored with the copious numbers that Six Sigma produces. Unfortunately, they may not want to see more than just a series of reports and may not understand that Six Sigma is about so much more than crunching number. . .

The Difference between Typical Project Management and Six Sigma Project Management

The Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBoK) became an accepted standard (as established by the Project Management Institute) that is still widely used in many industries around the world. At a basic level, many of the methodologies advocated by PMBoK and Six Sigma have a great deal in common. Both seek to establish a sound plan; identify and communicate with stakeholders; conduct regular r. . .

Why Six Sigma Will work in Service Environments

Although Six Sigma has its roots in manufacturing, it works just as effectively in service industries. It's no secret that service environments, such as financial organizations, healthcare providers, retail companies, and hospitality organizations have a harder time applying Six Sigma principles. However, the core principles of Six Sigma allow it to cost-effectively translate manufacturing-orie. . .

Why Six Sigma Will Outlast Total Quality Management

Six Sigma is not just a new term for Total Quality Management (TQM) . They have many similarities and are compatible in many business environments. TQM has brought great improvements and value to many companies. Six Sigma can do more. TQM is the development, deployment, and maintenance of systems related to quality-producing business processes. TQM is a strategic approach that focuses on encour. . .