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February 2003
Volume 2 • Number 2
Voice of the Readers
DFSS Paying Off Big
Thanks for an outstanding article in Six Sigma Forum Magazine (Maurice L. Berryman,“DFSS and Big Payoffs,” November 2002, p. 23). It covers all significant requirements to implement design for Six Sigma (DFSS) in a product engineering and manufacturing organization. I have been working each of these aspects of DFSS in my organization, and the author is exactly on target!
Mark G. Goeddeke
Woodward FST
Zeeland, MI
mgoedd@woodward.com
Consensus is Key to Six Sigma and Lean
There were some very thought provoking essays (“Your Opinion,” p. 38) in the November 2002 issue. My personal experience is that yes, Six Sigma and lean manufacturing are different. But with thorough analysis and interactive management, it is possible to take the best of both worlds and develop techniques to eliminate or reduce problems and waste.
The key is to arrive at a consensus with a minimum of conflict. Communication and leadership are going to make the difference. Much like organizations, these concepts need to evolve and adapt to remain effective. No two situations are the same, and therefore no two solutions are going to be the same.
My approach has always emphasized being proactive:
- Identify problems early, preferably before they become problems. Ignoring problems in the hope they will work themselves out is folly.
- Form a team to determine what the cause of the problem is. Don’t rely strictly on engineers.
- Talk to the people on the production team to gain insights and let them know someone is listening.
- Brainstorm and come up with several different approaches or solutions.
- Implement systems that provide feedback, not only to determine progress but also to identify glitches.
- Continue to monitor the situation and make the necessary adjustments to reduce problems and improve efficiencies.
Jim Hubbard
St. Charles, MO
hubbardjim@hotmail.com
CORRECTION
The November 2002 “About the Authors” (p. 10) omitted that Richard C.H. Chua is a Six Sigma Master Black Belt, in addition to being a certified Six Sigma Black Belt.
Do you agree or disagree with these comments? Would you like to recommend a question for a future issue? If you would like to comment further, please e-mail your suggestions to the editor at godfrey@asq.org .
