What Is Six Sigma in Project Management?

What Is Six Sigma in Project Management?

What is Six Sigma? Six Sigma is a structured approach to finding the root cause of more complex problems. 

It uses data and an iterative process to analyze the quality of an organization’s processes, determine the root cause of an issue, test solutions, and then ensure those solutions will continue to be effective down the road.

To put it simply, the goal of the Six Sigma methodology is to eliminate bugs or defects (which could be anything that doesn’t fit a customer’s expectations) as quickly as possible.

That can feel a little tough to wrap your head around, so let’s break down exactly how Six Sigma works. The methodology relies on a variety of problem-solving tools, but the most well-known is the DMAIC model. That’s an acronym for the five steps of process improvement:

1. Define the problem you’re trying to solve

Example: One of your production processes is always delayed.

2. Measure and collect data to dig deep into the problem and make estimations

Example: You look at the detailed steps, milestones, timelines, and contributors to that process.

3. Analyze the data you collected

Example: You realize that one supplier consistently delivers a key material late, which causes a bigger production delay.

4. Improve the business or production process to fix the problem

Example: You opt for a new supplier who can meet your deadline.

5. Control the process by putting mechanisms in place to make sure you sustain the improvement over time

Example: You schedule a weekly check-in with all suppliers to ensure they adhere to timelines.

That’s a simple overview, but remember that Six Sigma is an iterative process. That means you might need to repeat DMAIC over and over again until all bugs and defects are dealt with. Typically, a single lifecycle of DMAIC in Six Sigma will last anywhere from three to six months. 

What is Six Sigma certification?

Because Six Sigma is a more complex methodology, it needs to be led by someone with the right training, knowledge, and experience. Some project managers pursue their formal Six Sigma certification, which designates them as an expert.

Six Sigma certifications are identified by different colored belts, like what people earn in karate. In order from least experienced to most experienced, these belts are:

• White: Has a basic understanding of Six Sigma
• Yellow: Completed a few days of training in Six Sigma
• Green: Completed full course training on the methodology and can participate in projects but won’t lead them
• Black: Completed advanced training to lead organizational change
• Master Black: Has experience leading Six Sigma projects
• Champion: Manages Master Black belts and leads Six Sigma strategy and deployment

Pros and cons of Six Sigma

Six Sigma has roots in manufacturing, but has since expanded to an assortment of teams, projects, and organizations. How can you tell if it’s right for you? It’s worth considering a few pros and cons: 

Pros of Six Sigma:

• Efficient, as it focuses on eliminating waste and reducing costs
• Proactive, as it identifies and avoids roadblocks before you hit them
• Higher customer satisfaction, as bugs and defects are removed

Cons of Six Sigma: 

• Costly, as many problems require resources to be solved
• Time-consuming, as it’s a complex, ongoing, and iterative process
• Complicated, as you will iteratively uncover other problems to solve

In short, Six Sigma isn’t about using trial and error in the hopes that you eventually find the root of an issue. It uses an organized and structured approach to not only uncover the root cause—but fix it for both the short and long-term.