The Six Sigma approach has set a new paradigm of excellence in the industrial field and over the past few years, it’s growth is simply astounding. Six Sigma method has been used worldwide to bring about improvements in processes by eradicating all the errors. However, in spite of this factor, there is a chunk of myths that remain about Six Sigma. Let’s take a look at some of the popular myths of Six Sigma approach.
Six Sigma is applicable for big companies only: Most of the people think that the eminent companies like Motorola, Samsung, GE, etc. can get benefitted by implementing Six Sigma approaches in their businesses. But the beauty of Six Sigma is that its utility is not only limited to big companies. Six Sigma principles are equally applicable for the small companies also. Not only small companies, even entrepreneurs can use Six Sigma methodologies to make their business more effective in the long run.
Six Sigma is only for the manufacturing industry: This is another popular myth for Six Sigma. Though the principles of Six Sigma were created in manufacturing, it doesn’t mean that they are not applicable to the other industries. Six Sigma is equally applicable to all the sectors including healthcare, software, banking and insurance, etc. and any company can get benefitted by properly using Six Sigma principles.
Six Sigma is a quality management initiative: Very often, Six Sigma is considered just to be another quality management system which has similarity with TQM. But in reality, both these systems are different. Six Sigma teams generally build up actionable plans which ensure the involvement of everyone, from top management to process owners and operators. In Six Sigma approach, the high-level involvement is required if you want to approach the desired result.
Six Sigma can replace the current system: Many organizations think that Six Sigma can replace their current system, but basically Six Sigma is an initiative, this is not a replacement for the existing system. Six Sigma basically eliminates the waste in processes by removing non-value adding activities, thus leading to improvements to the existing processes. So, by employing Six Sigma approach, a company can achieve the profit on a long-term basis.
Six Sigma is solely data based: Data plays an imperative role in Six Sigma because it shows the ways that need to be improved. But Six Sigma also looks at the customer and reviews, complaints as well as compliments. Six Sigma is basically a systematic approach which is done through analysis and measurements of all the important elements.
Six Sigma experts are statisticians: Very often, Six Sigma experts are considered as statisticians because they need to work with the data. But Six Sigma belts are required to understand and use data and statistics in addition to tools like the fishbone or cause and effect diagrams, quality function deployment and process mapping.
These are popular myths of Six Sigma. When you embark on the path to Six Sigma, you should be open-minded and not pre-judge the process before you learn everything about Six Sigma.