In response to the announcement of a new version of SixSigma I formulated the following response:
I
have studied many different continuous improvement methodologies over
the years and would love to learn more about the the new kinder,
friendlier Six Sigma, known as "The New Discovery". Since I have always
worked at smaller companies (the largest about 400 employees), I have
always considered Six Sigma to be just what you have described, not
really bad, just not a one size fits all approach (like Lean). Once one
throws out the management structure (see ISIXSIGMA.COM
), all you really have left is a few statistical tools, project
selection methodology, and the DMAIC process (which I honestly prefer
over PDCA for a single process).
In
the 90's, I worked for fabricated metal products company that was a
first tier supplier to Motorola in Ft. Worth, Texas. I held the position
of Quality Liaison to Motorola as well as a few other large
corporations at that time. I had an opportunity to work with some great
people, that had a very narrow directive (reduce variation). Years
later, upon reflection (after the Motorola plant was shut down, all
outsourced for cost savings I suspect), I have come to believe that Six
Sigma lacks some things that I have found in Lean. Social
responsibility, respect for people, and looking at the system as a
whole, are the first things that come to my mind today when I compare
the two. I imagine that I am not the only thinker out there who
recognizes these things and I am certain there are more differences that
I haven't thought of.
Hopefully
the New Discovery was that Six Sigma was not a complete management
philosophy but a project management system wrapped around some
statistical tools that are great for companies of a certain size and
type, but can not stand alone without further evolution.
I
suppose I will have to give the new and improved version of Six Sigma a
chance. I realize, having graduated from the school of hard knocks
myself, one doesn’t need an impressive pedigree in order to become
something of value to many.
Regards,
Robert N. West
Quality Manager and Lean Practitioner
