Define the units of measure and create a measuring system for the issue at the beginning of your project.
Define the Performance Standard of the “Y”
Step 2 - Measure Phase
Methodology Overview
Six Sigma Phases
D
Phase I: Process Definition
M

Phase II: Process Measurement
A
Phase III: Process Analysis
I
Phase IV: Process Improvement
If the definition of what makes a defect (the specification) is not in the same units of measure as the selected Y from step 1, you have the wrong spec.
What is the specification or level of performance
If you don’t know what makes somreetqhuinigrgeododbyortbhaed,chuoswtocmaneyro?u measure the problem
in terms of defects (DPMO)?
C
Phase V: Process Control
Continuous Improvement
The following visual illustrates how the system can work
SUPPLIER
Process Step 1
Process step 2
Process step 3
Note: Measurement System Analysis (MSA) must be done on any and all defects you wish to count (watch out if you have a visual inspection of 6 characteristics)
measure the Y? Can you trust your data?
If you can’t measure something, how do you know where you are, where you have been, or where you are going?
If your measurement system is incapable, STOP and FIX IT before proceeding.
Six Sigma Methodology
Select the Output Characteristic (the “Y”)
Step 1- Define Phase
What is the problem? What is a defect?
You have to have a reason to do a project and that reason should be something that is bothering a customer.
The definition needs to be crystal clear and brief
Six Sigma Methodology
Validate the Measurement System
Can we accurately and consistently
Step 3 - Measure Phase
If you can’t identify what is important to work on, don’t work on anything. If you can’t put a name on it you can’t do it. If you can’t define the units of measure - be careful! You will end up having to:
Step 2 - Define Performance Standards Step 3 - Validate Measurement System Step 4 - Establish Process Capability Step 5 - Define Performance Objectives Step 6 - Identify Variation Sources Step 7 - Screen Potential Causes Step 8 - Discover Variable Relationships Step 9 - Establish Operating Tolerances Step 10 - Validate Measurement System Step 11 - Determine Process Capability Step 12 - Implement Process Controls
CUSTOMER
RECORD DEFECTS
RECORD DEFECTS
RECORD DEFECTS
RECORD DEFECTS
RECORD DEFECTS
DEFINE
PROCEDURE
CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT MODEL MEASURE
CONTROL
ACTION PLAN
ACTION
NAME
DATE
IMPROVE
TREND CHART
TIME
ANALYZE
GOAL
Vital Few Identification
Six Sigma Breakthrough Steps
Define Measure Analyze Improve Control
Step 1 - Select Output Characteristic - Identify Process Input/Output Variables