The importance of Analysis in Six Sigma Projects

We have discussed about the Define and Measure phases of Six Sigma in our earlier posts. If Measure phase is the critical phase in a Six sigma Project then the analyze phase forms the heart of the whole process that undergoes into the implementation of the six sigma project. In this phase the actual data is analyzed and to check the effects of the inputs on the outputs and ways and means are identified that form the critical factors for the variations in the outputs. Through this step the six sigma team is in a position to determine the cause of the problem that needs improvement. This acts as a tool to bridge the gap between the actual results attained and the desired results that have to be achieved in order to reach the six sigma level.
In the analysis phase various aspects of the process are analyzed to get into the depth of the problem under study. Source analysis or root cause analysis is done to identify the causes of the sigma level of the organization or the process under scanner. This is done with brainstorming sessions and all possible explanations are taken into account.
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Next comes the process analysis wherein an analysis is done of what the process is doing at the present stage and how better it could have done had the inputs been ideal. Competitors are also observed and studied in this stage. A detailed process map is chalked out in this phase of the Analysis phase to identify any inefficiency present in the process or the system that is being studied at that given point of time.
After this the data is analyzed to study any trends that are present in the process. Extensive use of Statistical tools is done in this phase to check the validity of the data that has been collected over a period of time. One has to make sure that the employees who are working n various machines or processes are doing the right thing at the right time and have all the training to do so. They even need to be trained on the Six Sigma processes that will be coming their way this will surely give a flip to the ongoing process of implementation of Six Sigma methodologies in the organization. This kind of analysis where employees and other resources are studied for training needs or any other kind of need is called Resource Analysis.
The communication happening between the customers and the processes has to be analyzed as it forms the major reason for the defects that have cropped up in the whole process. This Communication analysis needs to be done on the internal customers and the external customers alike as they both affect the quality of the end product and have a bearing on the end products' quality.