How to use Six Sigma in your industry

The Six Sigma methodology focuses on utilizing data to reduce defects and enhance efficiency within a business. Although it is most commonly used within the manufacturing industry, its principles can be adapted to a wide range of sectors to transform how businesses operate. In this article, we discuss various examples of how Six Sigma can be implemented across different industries.

Manufacturing

Starting off with the industry in which Six Sigma was born into, the principles are designed to optimize production processes in order to minimize defects and in turn improve the quality of the goods produced. By ironing out the issues which are found to cause defects, brand image and customer satisfaction are improved as only quality goods are sent out.

Pharmaceuticals

Using Six Sigma throughout drug development and manufacturing helps to identify potential health and safety issues before a medication is able to reach patients. This way, not only is a drug safer and more reliable for human consumption, but it ensures compliance with regulatory standards. Hospitals can also use the principles to reduce errors when administering medication and decrease wait times, providing a better quality of care. 

Technology

By systematically identifying defects during the production of a new software or carrying out a testing process, software companies can ensure their new launch is using reliable code and is free from any bugs or issues. Although Six Sigma is traditionally applied to physical processes, it can also prove beneficial to technology companies as they evolve with the industry advancements.

Conservation

Environmental organizations can use Six Sigma to further reduce waste and identify areas for improvement within their conservation programs. Whether it is used to optimize machinery such as wind turbines to maximize their output or improving the efficiency of recycling programs to reduce landfill waste, the use of resources can be best utilized to bring additional environmental benefits.

Finance

With the nature of the finance industry requiring advanced security measures and fraud detection to protect the assets of customers, Six Sigma can help to minimize risk within businesses. By streamlining the softwares and processes which are in place to safeguard finances against external threats, a business can become more reputable and prevent security breaches.

Construction

With the nature of construction projects often requiring complex project management processes to meet tight deadlines and have materials ready on time, Six Sigma principles help to optimize the processes. It can help to identify any bottlenecks which may hold up the proceeding work so they can be addressed quickly and effectively, not only preventing delays, but potentially avoiding costly mistakes.

Catering

Food and beverage companies can also utilize Six Sigma to meet food safety regulations and provide a high quality service. By monitoring the production processes to ensure that the food meets quality, consistency, and freshness standards, any issues can be identified to ensure poor quality food does not get served to customers and provide them with a negative dining experience that could reflect on the reputation of the business.