Small Business, Big Impact: How to Apply Six Sigma for Continuous Improvement

Adam Kaplan
Small Business, Big Impact: How to Apply Six Sigma for Continuous Improvement
Large companies will implement Six Sigma, which does the following:
  • Improves quality and customer satisfaction.
  • Reduces waste and operational costs.
  • Increases efficiency and productivity.
  • Enhances data-driven decision-making.
  • Strengthens competitive advantage. 
The core to Six Sigma is about continuous improvement.  But what can the small and medium size business do to implement changes?
 
The key is to start small, focus on practical improvements, and integrate Six Sigma into daily operations.
 
  • Focus on the most critical issues affecting customer satisfaction, costs, or inefficiencies.
  • Use customer feedback, employee insights, and process observations to pinpoint problem areas.
  • Define – Identify the problem and set goals.
  • Measure – Gather data on current performance.
  • Analyze – Find the root cause of inefficiencies.
  • Improve – Develop and test solutions.
  • Control – Implement changes and monitor results.
  • Choose a specific area (e.g., reducing order errors, improving delivery times, minimizing waste).
  • 5 Whys – Identifying root causes by asking "Why?" multiple times.
  • Focusing on the most significant issues (80/20 rule).
  • Visualizing workflows to spot inefficiencies.
  • Monitoring process performance over time.
  • Encourage employees to suggest process improvements.
  • Adjust strategies based on real data to ensure long-term success.
DCCSupply's values are speed, efficiency, tech knowledge, sales knowledge, in-stock product, lots of refurbs, fast returns, and fast repairs. 
 
Everyday we are continuously improving our process for you to achieve these values.
 
Have a great March. "The birds are out. LFG." When you live in Chicago and the weather turns warm, you notice the birds and you know Spring is coming.  March is a false Spring, but here is to hoping. 

 

-Adam