iSixSigma Staff

Repeatability and reproducibility are two ways that scientists and engineers measure the precision of their experiments and measuring tools. They are heavily used in chemistry and engineering and are typically reported as standard deviations in scientific write-ups. While these two measurements are both used in many types of experiments, they are quite different and offer […]

What is Value Added? The most important thing to understand about value concepts is that they always revolve around the customer. Customers are the ones who set the standard for value, which means it’s based on whether the customer believes the product or service will address their specific needs. Increasing appeal by adding value may […]

Businesses should have clear expectations from every procedure, activity and task that happens in their workplace. These expectations can be formalized as process design requirements, which describe the minimum acceptable results from a particular process. Overview: What are process design requirements? Active business managers don’t just let things unfold and develop on their own. Control […]

What is Cpk? Cpk is short for Capability Index. It is a measurement of the capability of a process to deliver output that is within the specification limits of a process. The Benefits of Cpk With Cpk, you are able to determine how closely a process can meet overall specifications in its ability to produce […]

A covariate is a continuous variable that affects a process that is not the direct target of the study. Excluding known covariates from an investigation can lead to skewed or biased results, which can reduce the value of the analysis or even render it worthless for its intended purpose. Accounting for known covariates is crucial […]

What is Standard Operating Procedure? Most established companies have some kind of standard operating procedure (SOP) in place, even if it’s a bit vague and outdated. Six sigma practitioners have no excuse for vague or outdated procedures though because these things should be second-nature when you are deep into process management. A SOP is a […]

An analytical management tool used to develop a basic outline of core processes and help the analysts consider what may go wrong with each step.

What is Variable Data? Variable data is any kind of information that is represented and recorded as measurements. The term is often used when discussing the creation of control charts for the purpose of process analysis. Variable data is quantitative, which means it can be described with numerical value and can change along a perpetual […]

Fits are another term for fitted values. A fitted value is a prediction in a statistical model of a mean response value.

For every action we take, there is an effect. Some actions may have only one or a few effects, while others can have a multitude. Having an understanding of the effects of actions, as well as what exactly causes them, helps us be mindful of which actions to take.

Knowing when your methods are not the most efficient is an important realization to have. Being willing to improve upon your processes and make them more efficient can be a deciding factor on whether your business is going to survive and thrive. Manufacturers may begin with processes that utilize a more Datsu Chaku method, but should always be working towards a more Chaku Chaku-focused mode of operations.

What is Pugh Matrix? When it comes to finding solutions and improvements in business processes, making a final decision can seem impossible. There are always multiple options for dealing with a situation or problems, which can be paralyzing for leadership. Pugh’s Controlled Convergence, also called the Pugh Matrix, is a numerical method for making tough […]

A collection of educational and research material that outlines a systemic model for companies delivering IT services.

What is a Spaghetti Diagram? A spaghetti diagram is defined as the visual representation of the flow of an activity or process utilized to identify areas that could use improvement. It is unique in that it demonstrates motion work and its associated waste and assists in the quantification of the amount of walking an operator […]

Black noise is a phenomenon that occurs during Lean Six Sigma projects. It often causes confusion and frustration for project managers and team members alike, but understanding black noise can make your projects run more smoothly and efficiently.

Sometimes you have to break something down into the smallest possible pieces before you can make it right. Process mapping is one of the first major steps when adopting six sigma, so it’s something business leaders should learn to love. Depicting workflow and processes in a visual format sets the stage for defining, understanding and […]

Sometimes you have to break something down into the smallest possible pieces before you can make it right. Process mapping is one of the first major steps when adopting six sigma, so it’s something business leaders should learn to love. Depicting workflow and processes in a visual format sets the stage for defining, understanding and […]

What is Continuous? Continuous data refers to numerical data that has any value within a certain range. There are infinite possibilities for the values, but they all fall within a range. These can be whole numbers or decimals measured using data analysis like skews and line graphs. This kind of data can change over time […]

What is Null Hypothesis? Statistical information without context or contrast is meaningless. Anyone looking at a data set can find connections and discover patterns, but they’ll probably end up drawing all kinds of wrong conclusions. That’s why statisticians have to examine the data from two different perspectives and always consider how the information they are […]

What is Categorical Data? Categorical data is statistical information that is presented according to its division into certain groups. In this model, values are sorted into predefined categories according to the design of the analysts. Grouping data points into categories in this way can be useful depending on the goals of the research, but it’s […]

Discrete vs. Continuous Data: What’s the Difference? When it comes to Six Sigma, data is your lifeblood. The ability to interpret what the data is saying is how you know whether you are on the right path in achieving your goals and objectives and avoiding roadblocks on your journey towards success. Accurately collected and analyzed […]

What is a Flowchart? A flowchart is a diagram of several boxes or other shapes connected with arrows, wherein each box is text that represents a step in a process or workflow. It is meant to reflect the process or workflow step-by-step, in sequential order, with multiple boxes having various arrows off-shooting from them, connecting […]

What is the Voice Of The Process? Voice Of The Process (VOP) is the manner in which a process communicates its performance capability to meet the expectations, wants, and needs of the customer. The Benefits of the Voice Of The Process Through analysis of your VOP, you gain insight into what moves you need to […]

What is a Customer Journey Map? A customer journey map is a diagram that visually represents the various steps a customer goes through in engagement with your company. This can be with a product, service, online and in-person interaction, or a combination. The Benefits of a Customer Journey Map A customer journey map has a […]