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One-Stop Guide to Six Sigma Including Free Tools and Certification

Six Sigma / By Jean Scheid / Project Management

The most simple explanation of this methodology first used by Motorola, offered in our first article, is that this quality improvement process “aims to reduce defects to 3.4 per million opportunities." Six Sigma is all about getting the product or project done on time, within budget and with the smallest amount of errors and production time. The introduction of Lean Six Sigma meant leaders in this methodology wanted even more streamlined processes.

To be a master at Six Sigma, one can become certified at many on-site and distance-learning centers. Via those educational venues, one can study and work on Six Sigma projects for a better understanding of the various tools and processes used in the methodology.

There are acronyms such as DMAIC, DMEDI and DMADV, and all are valuable in Six Sigma. However, when do you choose one process or phase over another? DFSS or Design for Six Sigma works best using the DMADV process but in our guide to Six Sigma we’ll take a look at all these acronym processes.

The tools behind Six Sigma are most likely what makes it such a popular methodology. Pareto charts, Gantt charts and other control charts can be found in this guide including free downloads and tips on how to create your own with ease.

We also delve deep into Six Sigma training and where to find it and even look at the Six Sigma Master of Science degree.

Explaining Six Sigma

We first consider those who are new to Six Sigma or simply want to learn more on what the methodology is and how it works—along with its history. Here, we also take a look at Lean Six Sigma and its main focus and include a must-read guide to Lean.

After this first collection of posts, not only will you know all about the methods behind the methodology but you will be able to decide whether it’s one you want to explore more and actually implement in your projects.

DMAIC

DMAIC means define, measure, analyze, improve and control–standard phases in most Six Sigma projects. DMAIC aims to reduce those defects by foresight and control. Here, Six Sigma Black Belt expert and Bright Hub contributor Heidi Wiesenfelder offers up detailed posts on each of the DMAIC phases which are must reads for those using DMAIC. We also explore when DMAIC should be used over another phase process.

DMADV, DMEDI and DFSS

Then there are those other acronyms behind Six Sigma–DMADV or define, measure, analyze, design and verify; and DMEDI or define, measure, explore, develop and implement. As we said DMADV is commonly used in Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), but how? Learn that here along with essential DFSS tools.

We of course had to compare DMADV to DMAIC and DMEDI to DMAIC to help our readers make a better choice on phases and how the work flows within a Six Sigma project. You’ll be well versed in all these phase processes by reading this next collection of posts.

Free Tools, Charts and Templates

The Six Sigma methodology uses a lot of tools much like any other management methodology. You can skip searching for free downloads, templates and tips on how to create–we have these tools right here on Bright Hub!

It’s easy to make a Pareto or Gantt chart in MS Excel, and we’ve also included a total guide on Six Sigma control charts, including the most commonly used. Need to create a histogram and learn what it is? Look no further. We end up this collection with a sample project charter you can use in any Six Sigma project.

Comparisons

We would be remiss if we didn’t explore topics where we compared Six Sigma with other methodologies such as Three Sigma, Lean, Total Quality Management or TQM, and even the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI).

Never guess again about what will work on your project once you've explored these “versus" articles. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, you’ll be better prepared to make an educated decision.

Six Sigma Training and Certifications

Those who study and utilize Six Sigma or even mentor others as masters often seek certification or recommend becoming certified. Is it worth your time and money to become certified, and should you consider distance or online training or find an onsite university type venue?

Finally, we explore the types of attainable belts in Six Sigma such as yellow, green and the black belt and offer an in-depth look at each to better aid you in climbing the ladder in this great project management methodology.

In all Bright Hub’s how-to guides, we hope we answer every question we can–and the same goes for our Six Sigma guide. If you find after exploring this guide your question isn’t answered, please drop us a comment and we’ll be happy to research the query for you.

References

Image Credits:
Six Sigma / Wikimedia Commons / saramg / GNU Free Documentation License

Control Charts for Nelson Rules / Wikimedia Commons / GMcGlinn / C.C. 3.0 License

Screenshot of Excel Gantt Chart courtesy of Michele McDonough

Screenshot of Excel Pareto Chart courtesy of Michele McDonough