DFSS Technology Tips For Successful Technology Implementation

	Bookmark This Page Email This Page Format for Printing Cite This Article Submit an Article Read More Articles

By Z

Download Products Design For Six Sigma (DFSS) E-Book or Print Using Design for Six Sigma Research Report DFSS Design and Implementation Scorecard

ack Swinney

Many of us -- as Quality professionals -- have implemented quality improvement projects throughout our careers. Best practices resulting from these implementations are paramount for:

• designing processes for six sigma (defect-free) production from the beginning,
• increasing business productivity on future projects, as well as
• not 'reinvent the wheel.'

After recently implementing a technology project, I thought it may be helpful to share some keys to implementing a successful automation technology solution. As part of any process automation project, you should make sure the project addresses the following aspects:

• Find a business champion(s). Gaining the support

  Steps to ensure success: Find a business champion(s) Modify culture and behavior Conduct a gap analysis Involve employees Prevent process exceptions

   of the CEO or president of the company for an automation project is almost always easy because they are focused on cost savings and the bottom line. It's the middle level manager(s) that can kill or make for a successful implementation. After a recent discussion with a middle level manager I was able to determine her motivation by the statement she made, 'As long as back-end operations are moving smoothly, I am in support of anything.' From the entire conversation it was apparent that her CTQ was focused on maximizing the ability to get sales on the books more quickly. Her support helped knock down many roadblocks along the development path.
• Modify culture and behaviors. Moving the back-office administration personnel culture to be more accepting of technology and automation -- knowing that jobs may be reduced because of it -- is no easy task. Initiating training for all personnel well in advance of any structure changes will benefit those that remain as well as those that may need to be restructured. Most people don't embrace change or new ways of performing processes. Training will make technology implementations more familiar to them.
• Conduct a gap analysis between what employees need and what the technology can accomplish. 'I'm amazed that this software can do all the tedious work that annoys us on a daily basis,' commented one employee impacted by the automation project. She became one of the project's most evangelical and outspoken supporters among employees working the process.
• Involve employees in the technology evaluation and selection process. During one of my latest process improvement projects, I was amazed at how well and how quickly the new process and technology was adopted by employees and supervisors. Everyone fully participated because the project was personal to them by the implementation date.
• Prevent process exceptions. Odds are that your current process involves tens of exception paths that require thought intensive rework. While this promises job security for supervisors, they must also understand that each exception steals productivity from your process and profits from your business. Every process must show improvement, and supervisors are in a prime position to contribute to the evolution and be rewarded for a successful implementation.

Rate This Article:  Current Rating: 3.13   Poor    Excellent                1    2    3     4    5   View all top-rated articles

Copyright © 2000-2009 iSixSigma – All Rights Reserved
Reproduction Without Permission Is Strictly Prohibited – Copyright Requests

---

Publish an Article: Do you have a Six Sigma tip, learning or case study?
Share it with the largest community of Six Sigma professionals, and be recognized by your peers.
It's a great way to promote your expertise and/or build your resume. Read more about submitting an article.

"The Bottom Line" Links

BMG UNIVERSITY I I Lean Six Sigma Online I I • Reduce Travel Costs • Maximize Training Budget >> Get Certified Now

VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY   Earn Your Lean, Green or Black Belt Six Sigma Master Certificate Online BOOST YOUR SALARY! *$38k more than uncertified counterparts. Learn From Industry Leaders!   START NOW

SIGMAPRO MBB, Lean Sigma, & DFSS   when experience matters most...

JURAN Budget constraints halting your improvement efforts? They don't have to! Learn about our accelerated cost reduction methods.

LodeStar Institute | Public & Onsite Lean Six Sigma Also New Live WEB Training  WHY SETTLE FOR ONLINE? GET LIVE TRAINING AND PROJECT MENTORING FOR ONLINE PRICES

Finding that key person for your team is just a click away . . .     TheJobShop jobs.isixsigma.com

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN 2 weeks + 1 project = Black Belt Certification

. Find us on LinkedIn Join the iSixSigma Network and Connect with Other Six Sigma Pros .

. iSixSigma Live! Summit & Awards Jan 13-16, 2009 • Miami, FL Save up to $500 • Click Here! Register by October 14 .




BEST SELLING PRODUCTS (iSixSigma Publications) Six Sigma DMAIC Training Slides The complete 2008 Lean Six Sigma DMAIC course prepares participants to perform the role of a LSS Black Belt; covering wh... Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Assessment Exam Interested in assessing your knowledge of Lean Six Sigma? Preparing for certifications? Testing your students and traine... Six Sigma Black Belt (DMAIC) Training Slides - 2009 Version! The 2009 Six Sigma Black Belt course includes over 40 more slides than the 2008 version. Contents include: 1,220 PowerPo... Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Assessment Exam This assessment exam is useful for students interested in assessing their knowledge of Lean Six Sigma on the Green Belt ... Process Management Training Slides The 2008 Process Management course is designed in two phases comprised of:352 Powerpoint slidesInstructor notesSlide exp... Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt E-book In 670 pages learn everything within the Lean Six Sigma DMAIC body of knowledge to successfully achieve Black Belt certi... 5S Training Course One of the key fundamental tools of process improvement is 5S. 5S is a methodology for organizing and minimizing item... Sell Your Products