Ensuring Continuity of Six Sigma Implementation Projects

If continuity is not maintained during Six Sigmato both human resources as well as material
implementations, it will become quite difficult forresources. Depending on the type of project,
the organization to derive the entire range ofhuman resources may be composed of 6 Sigma
benefits normally associated with them.professionals such as Black Belts, Green Belts, and
Explained below are some of the processes andMaster Black Belts whereas material resources
procedures that businesses can deploy to ensuremay comprise of new tools and equipment,
the continuity of 6 Sigma implementation projects.Information Technology (IT) systems, and the
Charting Out Implementation Plans and Strategiesrequired infrastructure.
Continuity of implementation projects can beWhen these resources are made available at the
easily affected if proper plans and strategies areright time, at the right place, and in the right
not formulated prior to the actual implementations.quantity, it becomes much easier for the
This is why businesses first need to concentrateimplementation team to ensure the continuity of
on doing their homework (i.e. devise anthe Six Sigma implementation projects. To get
appropriate roadmap for carrying out thethe desired results, businesses need to create a
implementations).separate logistics team, responsible for making
For this, businesses need to conduct brainstormingavailable the necessary material resources to the
sessions to seek input and suggestions from allimplementation team as and when needed. In
the potential stakeholders such as employees,case of human resources, the HR department can
team members, Green Belts, Black Belts, Masterbe called in to play their part.
Black Belts, Project Sponsors, middle and topMaintaining continuity is necessary because then it
management and department heads. Thebecomes much easier for the implementation
brainstorming sessions should preferably beteam to complete the implementations within the
conducted under the guidance of a seniorstipulated time and costs. If continuity is not
management member having prior experience inmaintained, chances are high that the project
Six Sigma implementations.might get derailed, leading to increased
This person should ideally be able to set the rightimplementation costs, something that would defy
tone and give the right direction to the discussionsthe very basic tenets of Six Sigma
in order to achieve the desired results and avoidimplementation projects. These implementations
getting stuck with input and suggestions thatare meant for improving quality and reducing
sound like mere wish lists.costs and not for achieving the opposite.
Making Available the Required ResourcesBusinesses that want to realize the full potential of
Another factor that can easily affect theSix Sigma should thus undertake all the initiatives
continuity of Six Sigma implementation projects isthat are required for ensuring the continuity of
the unavailability of essential resources requiredthe implementations.
during the implementations. Here, resources refer