How do you use lean six sigma in project selection?

En mi experiencia trabajando empresas que van incursionando en esta metodología y mejora en la calidad y productividad de sus empresas lo que siempre menciono es que Lean Six Signma utiliza un enfoque estructurado para garantizar que se elijan los proyectos con el mayor potencial de mejora y que estén alineados con los objetivos estratégicos de la organización. Algunos aspectos claves a considerar podrían ser: la identificación de oportunidades, los criterios de selección de proyectos, el impacto financiero, los objetivos estratégicos, la VIABILIDAD y la monitorización y control del plan establecido.

A value stream map combined with Hoshin planning is the way to go. The Value stream map is excellent at exposing the strengths and weaknesses of a company, department, or process. Then you can use Hoshin principles to determine what your goals are for improvement and what path you're going to take to accomplish them. You will have a map and a compass.

I follow the following tips in the LSS projects by ensuring alignment with organizational goals/objectives and maximum impact on business outcomes. - Define clear project criteria. - Prioritize projects based on impact. - Conduct stakeholder analysis. - Apply (CBA) Cost-Benefit Analysis. - Use Lean tools like Value Stream Mapping. - Utilize Six Sigma techniques such as Process Capability Analysis. - Validate assumptions through data. - Select projects aligned with strategic objectives. Thanks.

Ao selecionar projetos, o primeiro passo é definir claramente seus objetivos, garantindo alinhamento com a vis?o, miss?o e estratégias da organiza??o. Identifique os principais indicadores de desempenho (KPIs) que medir?o o sucesso do projeto. Considere também as expectativas e requisitos dos clientes que definem sua proposta de valor. Avalie as lacunas e oportunidades nos processos atuais para identificar áreas críticas de melhoria. Esclarecer esses elementos ajuda a delinear o escopo da sele??o de projetos e focar nas iniciativas mais impactantes para a organiza??o.

Selecting a project objective that aligns with the organizational objectives is crucial. If your project doesn't align with the organization's direction, you may end up having to start over after wasting time and money on implementation.?

En la selección de proyectos, Lean Six Sigma proporciona un marco robusto para identificar y priorizar oportunidades con impacto significativo. Utilizando herramientas como el análisis de causa raíz y el mapeo de procesos, se pueden evaluar proyectos potenciales en función de su alineación con los objetivos estratégicos, retorno sobre la inversión (ROI) y potencial de mejora. La metodología también incorpora el análisis de valor agregado para eliminar desperdicios y optimizar recursos. Integrar estas prácticas asegura que los proyectos seleccionados no solo aborden problemas críticos, sino que también maximicen el valor para la organización.

The selection of projects could be based on three criteria: - Project payoff to determine whether the project is worthwhile, - Project alignment with the overall corporate objective, and - Project scope to determine whether the project can be completed. Tips for Choosing a Project:? 1. What are your most common customer complaints? 2. What are the non-value steps/processes, yet we still continue? Like Rework, queries, and complaints.? 3. Select a process with a poor trend in quality, productivity, and cost. 4. Which processes have high variations? Conduct a cost-benefit analysis to determine the projected benefits of the project and the costs associated with its completion.

Existem projetos para melhorar produtos, normalmente utilizando desenhos de engenharia, experiência do cliente, novas tecnologias, etc. Existem projetos para melhorar processos, normalmente associados aos fluxos de mercadoria, matéria prima, informa??es, deslocamentos de pessoas, etc...requerem estudo de tempos e movimentos e cronoanálises. Existem projetos para reduzir custos, normalmente utilizados para parametriza??es e clusteriza??es comparativas entre filiais, regi?es, áreas, etc.. Todos esses tipos de projetos possuem um potencial característico. O que necessitamos é saber como priorizá-los em cada momento oportuno.

In order to identify potential projects, it is important to consider the following points: Data Analysis: Use historical data, performance indicators, and process analysis to identify areas with potential for improvement. Stakeholder Feedback: Gather ideas and suggestions from employees, customers, and other stakeholders who interact with the processes on a daily basis, as they may identify problems and opportunities that are not evident from the perspective of top management. Bottleneck and Waste Identification: Analyze current processes to identify bottlenecks, waste (muda), variability, or defects that affect performance.

It would be a good idea to identify the type of project as well. Some types of projects are: Just Do It, Kaizen Events, Lean projects, Green Belt Projects, Black Belt Projects, and Master Black Belt projects. Knowing the kind of project will make it easier to know if you have the resources available for the project and approximately how long the project might take to complete.

Lean Six Sigma ofrece un enfoque sistemático para evaluar y priorizar proyectos mediante herramientas analíticas y métricas precisas. Al aplicar el análisis de valor y el diagrama de Pareto, podemos identificar áreas con el mayor impacto potencial. Utilizando el método de priorización basada en criterios como el retorno sobre la inversión (ROI) y la alineación estratégica, se optimizan los recursos y se enfocan los esfuerzos en proyectos que prometen los mayores beneficios. Esta metodología asegura una toma de decisiones fundamentada y centrada en resultados tangibles, maximizando el valor y minimizando el riesgo.

In the Define phase of DMAIC, the Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) helps prioritize projects for process improvement. Here's how: List potential projects and estimate their impact on business goals (cost savings, efficiency, etc.). Create a Pareto chart with projects on the x-axis and impact value on the y-axis. Analyze the chart. A few projects (20%) will likely contribute to most of the benefit (80%). These are your "vital few." Focus the Define phase on thoroughly defining and analyzing these high-impact projects. This may involve data collection, process mapping, and identifying potential challenges.

Evaluating and prioritizing projects in Lean Six Sigma involves a systematic approach. Start by assessing each project’s potential impact on key business objectives and customer needs. Consider factors such as the expected improvement, financial benefits, and alignment with strategic goals. Also, evaluate the feasibility of each project, taking into account available resources, time constraints, and technical challenges. Prioritize projects that offer the highest value and are achievable with your resources. Tools like a Project Prioritization Matrix can be helpful in this process. Effective evaluation and prioritization ensure that your Lean Six Sigma efforts are focused on the most impactful and feasible projects.

Lean is easy to implement as it has a shorter learning curve when compared to six sigma and it is more visual and practical, on which employees can be taken from the current workforce. Enabling six sigma culture means to have the right people with the right skills in place, starting from Master Black Belt, Black Belts and lastly Green Belts. With six sigma, you need specialized skills which have a slightly longer and steep learning curve. An organization might have to bring in external consultants for training or have to hire atleast a Master Black Belt, to start the six sigma journey

From my experience, once you have completed goal defining and project identification (which I prefer doing through brainstorming activities, taking the teams through value stream maps and process maps), project prioritizing has a significant impact on achievement of defined goals. I prefer to use project prioritization matrix which considers different relevant criteria. the criteria will be weighted. Few of the “every day” points will be alignment to strategy, financial viability, resource requirement and foreseeable risk factors. Prefer to have team agreement on non-quantitative criteria elements, if it’s not possible then proceed with multi-voting and expert judgment.

En la selección y lanzamiento de proyectos, Lean Six Sigma proporciona un enfoque estructurado que maximiza el éxito. Primero, se utiliza el análisis de viabilidad y el matriz de priorización para seleccionar proyectos con el mayor impacto estratégico y retorno sobre la inversión. Luego, se implementan herramientas como el DMAIC para definir objetivos claros, medir resultados y controlar el progreso. Esta metodología no solo asegura que los proyectos estén alineados con las metas empresariales, sino que también optimiza los recursos y mejora la ejecución, garantizando una implementación efectiva y con resultados tangibles.

As duas primeiras etapas do DMAIC (definir e mensurar) s?o fundamentais para selecionar os projetos. A sele??o deverá ser feita n?o apenas nos potenciais de ganhos futuros, mas também na facilidade de implanta??o. Muitas vezes, ganhos muito grandes acabam tendo como contrapartida altos investimentos ou uma mudan?a de cultura muito impactante, que deveria ser diluída a longo prazo.

Selección basada en prioridades: Seleccione los proyectos que ofrezcan el mayor valor a la organización y que sean factibles de implementar. Asignación de recursos: Asegúrese de que los proyectos seleccionados cuenten con los recursos necesarios, incluido el personal, el presupuesto y las herramientas. Planificación y ejecución: Desarrolle un plan detallado para la ejecución del proyecto, incluidos los plazos, las responsabilidades y las métricas de éxito. Monitoreo continuo: Durante la ejecución del proyecto, realiza un seguimiento continuo para garantizar que el proyecto se mantenga dentro de los objetivos establecidos y se ajuste según sea necesario.

The final stage involves selecting and launching your prioritized projects. Tools like project portfolio management (PPM) systems, project management offices (PMOs), or steering committees provide oversight and coordination. Develop detailed project plans, work breakdown structures (WBS), Gantt charts, and communication plans for seamless project execution. Then, the power of the Lean Six Sigma DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) cycle takes over to guide your project execution, ensuring control over processes and outcomes. Lean Six Sigma provides a robust framework for selecting and launching projects that deliver true value to your customers and organization.

Once you’ve evaluated and prioritized the projects, choose the one that aligns best with your organization’s goals and available resources. Create a Project Charter that outlines the project’s purpose, scope, goals, team members, and expected outcomes. Launch the project, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and monitoring throughout the execution phase.

Based on my experience, several aspects should be considered during the selection of Lean Six Sigma Projects. ?? Here are some examples: ? The project won't make a big difference to your organization; ?Tip: connect the Project’s goals to the organization's business goals. ? The solution is already known; ?Tip: Go for the Kaizen Event. ? The project is not focused. It has too broad a scope; ?Tip: Be Specific. ? The project lacks clear and measurable goals; ?Tip: Use SMART objectives. ? It is hard to see the link to customer needs. ?Tip: Focus on VOC. #LeanSixSigma

Lean Six Sigma aims to drive continuous improvement by eliminating waste, enhancing quality, and increasing efficiency. By following these steps, you’ll select projects that deliver maximum value and contribute to your organization’s success. Keep up the great work in your pursuit of quality management

In project selection, Lean Six Sigma methodologies can be employed to improve decision-making processes by focusing on efficiency and eliminating waste. By using tools such as process mapping, value stream analysis, and data-driven decision-making, organizations can identify and prioritize projects that will have the most significant impact on their bottom line. Lean Six Sigma helps to ensure that resources are allocated effectively and that projects are aligned with strategic objectives.

Lean Six Sigma offers a structured, data-driven approach to project selection, ensuring initiatives align with organizational goals and deliver maximum impact. It begins by clearly defining your goals, aligning them with your organization's overall strategy, key performance indicators (KPIs), and customer needs. The next step is identifying potential projects, drawing from diverse sources like customer feedback, employee suggestions, benchmarking, and process data analysis. Tools like brainstorming and SIPOC diagrams aid in generating and organizing ideas. Lean Six Sigma's DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control) cycle guides project execution.