Cause and Effect Diagram, Fishbone Diagram or Ishikawa diagram, is an widely used tool to help users to find the roots causes of the problems they are investigating. The approach combines brainstorming and a concept map. The process has four major steps: identifying the problem; working out the major factors involved; identifying possible causes and […]
Introduction to Fishbone Diagram Problems are natural and they are inevitable in processes. Problems multiply or tend to exist intensively if they are not figured out at first and with their root cause identification. Strategists today describe root cause as nonconformance, something which is invisible and is more important to be identified than anything else […]
Six Sigma is a scientific approach which employs a high variety of tools within its DMAIC cycle that aims on the ultimate goal of reducing variation in a specified process. Pareto Charts: In order to have a successful Six Sigma project it is first essential to focus on the correct process. How can we determine […]
One of the tools of continuous improvement, the 5 Whys technique can help, for example, with root cause analysis (RCA) when determining how to solve problems. With 5 Whys you look at the relationship of cause and effect. Your goal is to repeat the question “why?” enough times to get to an answer that will […]
Six Sigma is a practice the modern business simply cannot do without. Employed in companies around the world, Six Sigma is transforming business projects for the better. But what types of project is Six Sigma useful for? Can Six Sigma be used for software projects? Software projects are not quite the same as product and […]
Let’s look now at a tie-in of Kaizen 5S. Kaizen provides the philosophical framework of continuous improvement. But what is 5S? What is 5S and how does it relate to Kaizen? While Kaizen is a general approach to improvement, 5S is a way to lay the groundwork for improvement. The two go hand in hand with […]
There are many different ways to turn into a more productive person. Most of the existing methods give you certain tools to help get certain aspects of your life under control. The problem with these small productivity methods is that they focus on small aspects of your life, and not the big picture. Luckily, Kaizen […]
Introduction In process engineering Process Flow Diagram is one popular tool to represent various segments of an ongoing process. It could be a chemical process or any engineering process taking place in a plant facilitation. PFD is essential in every submission of process engineering. PFD details about major equipment of plant facility, how such equipment […]
Kaizen is a method of thinking that can be used in personal lives as well as businesses. The basic method of this line of thinking involves two things, small changes, and common sense. It has been used in thousands of businesses around the world and positive results have come from the proper use of it. […]
In order to evaluate the performance of an existing system, first the performance criteria of the system must be decided upon. Once the criterion is defined, it is necessary to collect data from the system. However, collecting data with varied tools, methods and people would lead to inconsistent results which could result in incorrect conclusions. […]
When it comes to owning a business, success should be the number one factor on the mind of the people running the company. There are a number of different ways that you can improve the quality of your company. A new emerging way to bring success to your company involves using Kaizen, which roughly translated […]
Root Cause Analysis is an invaluable skill to have in your Six Sigma toolkit. But how do we use Root Cause Analysis to the best effect? What tool is most helpful for this task? That would be the Decision Tree. This method involves branching between causes and outcomes to illustrate the consequences of your choices. […]
Complacency is an epidemic. It kills productivity and can negatively affect your performance. Studies have shown that complacency comes from a lack of engagement, and affects up to 70% of the US working population. This means around three-quarters of American employees are not fully committed to their everyday workplace tasks! As an employer, this should […]
If you’re becoming familiar with Six Sigma, it’s only a matter of time before you learn about MSA (Measurement System Analysis). This concept is right at home finding and eliminating potential variability. As we’re going to cover in detail below, there are certain levels of MSAs. By learning them now, you’ll have a much easier […]
Introduction The most complicated thing to understand in any process is ‘variation’ as with variation there are possibilities of uncertainty to be carried in processes. The more the variation, the more uncertain is any process. In engineering and in contemporary administrative practices, the emphasis lies on minimizing variation. For such reason, initiatives are taken to […]
5S is a methodology that is used in workplaces across the world. The “5S” name comes from the 5 Japanese words that make up the process. The five words are seiri, sieton, seiso, seiketus, and shitsuke. Roughly translated these words stand for sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain. They all describe ways in […]
If you have never heard of the Kaizen Methods you might be surprised to learn that it is one of the best ways to live a better, more productive life or business. It has been used for years to help people reach goals once thought unreachable and to bring companies together that were having some […]
When collecting data from a particular process it essential have a correct measurement system to achieve correct results and conclusions. Measurement System Analysis provides a great tool to ensure the quality of the data collected from a process. MSA – Measurement System Analysis has three purposes: 1. Examine how much of the total observed variability […]
Repeatability and reproducibility (R&R) are important factors to consider for manufacturing companies around the world. During an audit, the company’s ability to carry on doing what they usually do is measured to determine if there are any anomalies or problems that need to be addressed. Today, there are numerous software available that enable companies to […]
Kaizen is an interesting method of improving your life and business. The word is Japanese and roughly translated means continuous change. When you break it down ‘Kai’ means change, and ‘zen’ means good, hence, Kaizen. The method of making your business better with Kaizen might seem strange to someone that has never heard of it, […]
