*MBB expert guidance needed*

In my Six Sigma Career tenure in previous organizations- I achieved my Process improvement project targets  through six Sigma tools ,  RPA , change management, Lean, Agile project, QPA , digitalization. However, in my current organisation - we have separate teams available for lean projects,  RPA & QPA, Agile project, change management Transformation. As a CI Six Sigma lead - we are responsible purely for six Sigma Project ( YB, GB and BB) where i can achieve my project target though six Sigma traditional tools only and if any methodology other than six Sigma use ( ex-  RPA or change management), This project are straight forward rejected in  project quarterly review meeting. Kindly guide how I can survive with traditional Six Sigma methodology in the present scenario because most projects are related to automation nowadays. 

Need your valuable suggestions please 

 

Hi Dheeraj,

 

Leadership is responsible for culture and strategy for problem-solving. I would look for projects under champions who are open to your suggestions to bring visibility to the potential of cross-functional / technology solutions. If you get a few wins, then may be you can shift the way other leaders approach the projects too.

 

Within LSS, for example in DMAIC, I would suggest asking for SME's from the needed verticals (e.g. RPA specialists) to become part of the project by the time you reach the "Define Phase Gate". This will be part of your stakeholder analysis as you scope your project. 

If these SME's cannot be engaged, then I suggest making recommendations at each Phase Gate or Leadership meeting where you ask for their support on issue resolution so that they can understand the barriers and that the solution requires more resources to be most effective. Also, show the potential with RPA and without RPA as soon as possible. 

Alternatively, you can categorize your recommendations by effort and impact, it may strengthen your business case to get the collaboration/solutions you seek. 

 

Discuss the issues you raised with your management and leadership to get their attention on the wasted opportunities.

 

Lastly, there are organizations where the prevailing culture does not help the kind of problem-solving that matches & values your talent. 

Surviving and thriving with Traditional Six Sigma tools in the world of automation is possible, but it requires adapting and integrating these tools into your processes to maximize their effectiveness. Here are some strategies to help you do that:

1. Understand the Role of Automation:

   • Recognize that automation is not a replacement for human involvement but a tool to enhance productivity and efficiency.
   • Understand where automation can be most beneficial in your processes, such as data collection, analysis, and reporting.

2. Integrate Traditional Six Sigma with Automation:

   • Use automation to collect and process data for your Six Sigma projects. Automated data collection tools can help you gather accurate and real-time information.
   • Automate data analysis and reporting, which can significantly speed up the analysis phase of your projects.
   • Consider integrating Six Sigma principles into the design and development of automated systems to build quality into processes from the beginning.

3. Select the Right Projects:

   • Choose Six Sigma projects that can benefit from automation, such as those involving repetitive tasks, data-intensive processes, or those with a high volume of transactions.
   • Prioritize projects where automation can reduce errors and variability, leading to significant process improvements.

4. Invest in Training:

   • Ensure that your Six Sigma practitioners are trained in both traditional Six Sigma tools and the use of relevant automation technologies.
   • Provide training on data analysis and interpretation, as this remains a critical aspect of Six Sigma projects, even with automation.

5. Data Management and Analytics:

   • Develop expertise in data management, as automated processes often generate vast amounts of data. Ensure that your organization can effectively collect, store, and analyze this data.
   • Leverage advanced analytics tools and machine learning to extract valuable insights from automated data.

6. Continuous Improvement:

   • Apply Six Sigma's DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) methodology to continually improve automated processes.
   • Regularly review and refine automated processes to adapt to changing business needs and technology advancements.

7. Human-Machine Collaboration:

   • Encourage collaboration between your Six Sigma practitioners and automation teams. Together, they can identify opportunities for automation and process improvement.
   • Ensure that automation complements human decision-making rather than replacing it entirely, especially in cases that require judgment and complex problem-solving.

8. Monitor and Control:

   • Implement control mechanisms to monitor automated processes and ensure they continue to meet quality standards and performance targets.
   • Develop contingency plans and human interventions for situations where automation fails or produces unexpected results.

9. Maintain a Lean Approach:

   • Embrace Lean Six Sigma principles in conjunction with automation to eliminate waste, reduce lead times, and optimize processes.

10. Stay Updated:

• Keep up-to-date with advancements in automation and technology to remain competitive and agile in your industry.

By adapting traditional Six Sigma tools to work in harmony with automation, you can continue to drive process improvement, reduce defects, and enhance overall quality while benefiting from the efficiency and accuracy that automation brings to the table.