When it comes to running a business, there are a variety of different technologies and philosophies that many people may recommend. While the majority of these will be effective, choosing the right philosophy and management style for your business can be tricky. However, one of the standouts of these has been Six Sigma, which has been gaining popularity over the past few years. This is because there can be a variety of different benefits to the practice. Furthermore, it can be incredibly easy to learn and put into practice, with a high-quality Lean Six Sigma book being relatively easy to find. However, before we look at the benefits of the practice, it’s worth looking at what it is first.
What Is Six Sigma?
Six Sigma is a methodology that allows businesses to remove or improve any processes that may be seen as defects or flaws in the company. This is done through two different sub-methodologies. The first of these is DMAIC, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. This is chiefly to improve or remove any processes in your business that may be having an undesirable effect on your business. For instance, this could include the likes of any procedures that are slowing down production and much more. Through this management methodology, your company will be able to identify these processes and improve them.
The second of these is DMADV, which stands for Define, Measure, Analyze, Define and Verify, and is typically used for instituting new processes in your business. By using this methodology, you’ll be able to ensure that any new procedures added to your business will have as many benefits as possible. By looking through methods using this methodology, you can rest easy knowing that any adverse effects of the process are kept to a minimum while the positives are extraordinary.
Benefits Of Six Sigma
Time Management
Many of us struggle to find ways to manage our time effectively, and this is just as true when it comes to employees. However, through the principles of Six Sigma, employees will be able to set smart goals and properly manage their time. As a result of this, the majority of customers will be more efficient and productive than they were before. Furthermore, this approach will allow employers to work alongside employees to set professional goals for them to work toward. Because of this better time management, employees will also feel less swamped at work, making them happier and more productive workers. As such, your business should see an overall increase in productivity once the practice has been instituted.
Improved Customer Loyalty
No business wants its customers to buy once and then never come back. As such, many business owners have a variety of different ways to increase customer loyalty and retention. According to a variety of reports, one of the main reasons that customers are dissatisfied with a business is because of employee attitude or terrible customer service. However, Six Sigma has been able to address these employee issues behind the scenes. With that in mind, the methodology should have a knock-on effect on your customer loyalty and retention. Because of that, you should be able to attract and retain more customers once the practice has been implemented.
Strategic Planning
When it comes to planning and designing your business, there are a lot of different things to think of. This is especially true when it comes to creating an overall business strategy with the likes of a SWOT analysis and more. However, although a SWOT analysis can show you where your business is weakest, it may not offer recommendations on how to improve these areas. In contrast to that, Six Sigma will help you to focus on these areas. With that in mind, it can help you strategically improve in a few different ways; these can include the likes of improving internal processes, eliminating unnecessary complexity and increasing yields. With that in mind, you can think of the methodology as a practical way of improving your business.
There are a variety of other benefits to Six Sigma. However, the above should be a solid indication as to how it can help you improve your business. Overall markets are changing at a rapid pace; because of that, any advantage, however minor, can end up being a significant factor in your overall success as a business.
