SQT Blog

Lean Six Sigma has expanded its horizons to more than the usual suspects in terms of Projects. Traditionally, it was all about manufacturing and improving quality or reducing cycle times. However our Blackbelt and Greenbelt HETAC Programs have included some very unique and diverse projects in a variety of different Service and Transactional Industries. Examples include:

Improved Credit Card Fraud Processing by reduced input entries by 44%

Improved an EU Import Testing Process to meet a 23-day target

Green Statements – Removed the need for such a high volume of printed statements

Reduced number of errors relating to post being scanned to the wrong queue for distribution

Reduced Direct Debit Write Offs

PUK Code Calls – 15% reduction in customers’ calls to customer care for help

Standardization of Shipment Process resulting in not having to run an extra shift and resultant cost savings

Energy Saving Project – Reduction of carbon emissions by 23%

The process of screening referrals – increased management visibility and reporting of process performance resulting in less queries and non-value added investigation and tracking

Process Improvement is Process Improvement irrespective of the process and industry. The flexible and practical DMAIC* methodology of Lean Six Sigma has proven itself in this regard.

In the last round of completed Lean Six Sigma projects, cost savings of €8,808,801 were achieved over seventy six projects … an average of €116k per project

An average of €116k from projects that included more than the usual suspects!

*(DMAIC = Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control)

Congratulations to all recent recipients of HETAC awards for their Six Sigma training. Last month ninety people received awards over the four HETAC accredited Six Sigma courses.

Seven people completed Black Belt training. Their projects realised cost savings of on average €300,576 per project.

Four people completed Back Belt, Service and Transaction projects. Their projects averaged €71,968 savings.

Sixty Five people completed Green Belt, HETAC level 7 projects. The average cost saving was €98,722 per project.

Fourteen people completed the Green Belt HETAC level 6 course, which involves a case study rather than completing a project.

In all cost savings of a total of €8,808,801 were achieved over seventy six projects.

There are many other Six Sigma projects underway. People are working hard completing these and achieving more very tangible cost savings for their companies. These savings are critical for the survival of many companies in the economic realities of 2010 Ireland.

Without doubt, Six Sigma methodology is now proving to be a very important tool.