Articles

Problem Solving Formula I Lean Six Sigma I Cause and Effect Philosophy


In this section, we are going to start with the Problem-Solving Formula in Six Sigma 
Six Sigma uses statistical analysis and measurement in different ways. 
The Six Sigma approach to problem-solving helps to determine the crucial inputs (x) and then to formulate an improvement plan (y). Putting it simply we can say that controlling or modifying the inputs will enable us to change or improve the outputs. 

The concept can be explained using the formula y=f(x) + εwhere 

•    Y refers to the output or the results of the process you are trying to improve, 

•    f is the function or the process that will convert the inputs to the desired result. 

•    x are the inputs or the factors (there can be more than one inputs (x)) required to get the result.

•    ε accounts for the level of error or uncertainty 

It is very important to quantify the process inputs and outputs to effectively determine what is influencing any process. Output depends on the application of a specific function on the inputs. Focusing on a few critical inputs can significantly improve the output.
This equation tells us that all outputs are determined by the way inputs are transformed according to some said process.


Cause and Effect Philosophy: 
The same concept is carried forward in Cause and Effect philosophy, which tells us that all the inputs and functions, and even errors will affect the outcome in some way. Any change in the inputs or some part of the process will have a corresponding effect on the outcome of the process. When we apply this philosophy to Six Sigma, it helps us to determine how the process will respond to variation. It helps us to determine the possible causes of a problem and how they are affecting the result. 

This video will then explain how y = f(x) and DMAIC work together and how to solve a problem using scientific methods for process improvement. The problem-solving formula is a very powerful concept of Six Sigma and is very useful when applying the acronym DMAIC.

Define: In the first step, we define the desired outcome to be achieved. 
Measure: We measure the inputs and causes of variations along with the current status of inputs and outputs. In this phase, the focus is on critical inputs that are producing maximum results or outputs. 
Analyze: The cause and effect of inputs on outputs are analyzed. We quantify the inputs that have maximum impact on the output. 
Improve: We implement the fixes of the variations or inputs that maximize the output. 
Control: Monitor the changes in the process over some time to see that the process does not deviate from the current pattern or revert to its previous pattern.

DMAIC roadmap is extensively used in Six Sigma for process improvement and to get desired results.

Posted on 11 June, 2019

2382 times 2

Categories : Lean Six Sigma White Belt Course

Comments so far.. Add new comment

Suraj 11/07/2019

Thanks, mam Everything is Crystal clear The methodology of explanation is great

Sameer 09/07/2019

Simply Best!!!

Related Articles

Cycle Time l A Key Metric for Profitable Business and Happy Customers

Cycle Time

A Key Metric for Profitable Business and Happy Customers. A very important concept when we are working on process improvements.

What is the first question you ask as a customer when you order a product or service?

It’s “How long it will take?”

If a business cannot answer this question and deliver on promised t...

Sure shot Methodology for Business Success

Sure shot Methodology for Business Success

Using deceptively simple and incredibly powerful lean principles
 

Service operations comprise more than 70% of the world GDP and growing rapidly. Even within manufacturing companies, it’s common to have only 20% of product prices driven by direct manufacturing labor—the oth...

World-Class Performance l Value Discipline Model

World-Class Performance – Is it Achievable?

 

World-class performance, very common phrase indeed, used often, we think we understand its meaning and nothing is intriguing about it.

But I Disagree, in my opinion, World-class performance is such a common word used on every marketing material, I think it’s often misquoted and not unde...

Know about Janam Sandhu

Janam Sandhu (Six Sigma and Management Guru) is here to teach you Lean and Six sigma in an easy to understand format and I assure you if you follow my videos and blogs you will be able to understand and implement these techniques with ease.

When I look at the six sigma and lean I feel they are such easy and wonderful techniques which have been developed to help you carry your business in simple and efficient manner but when I look at current trends and the way lean and six sigma training being carried out, I feel their only mission is to complicate things.

Read more about us