Lean Six Sigma For Dummies, 4th Edition

Chapter 18

Ensuring Everyday Operational Excellence

IN THIS CHAPTER

Moving from process improvement to “business as usual” process management

Using the Lean Six Sigma toolkit in day-to-day work

Embedding Continuous Improvement into the organization's DNA

The Control phase of a Lean Six Sigma DMAIC project deals with implementing and embedding the solution(s) in order to realize the improvement benefits. This moves the focus from process improvement to process management or “business as usual.”

The handover of the improved process to a suitable “owner” in the organization is an important Control phase activity. This individual will now be accountable for its performance. This chapter addresses how processes are managed after the handover to ensure they continue to meet customers’ requirements.

It’s important to remember that Lean Six Sigma isn’t just about DMAIC and DMADV projects. The principles, concepts and tools also provide a framework for operational excellence to become a reality in everyday life. You can also apply what’s in this chapter to day-to-day management, aiming for “everyday operational excellence.”

Standardizing the Process

In Chapter 13, we looked at how standardization ...