Characterize. Define Existing Process. Plan Improvements.

Understand and document current state performance (metrics, process flow, and critical factors); translate the current-state opportunities into a plan for improvement.

Key Questions:

  • Who are the process owners?

     
  • Has the cross-functional, customer-oriented team been assembled to analyze the value stream?

     
  • What is the actual process flow? How is it documented?

     
  • What are the customer-driven specifications for the goals?

     
  • What are the process performance measures and goals?

     
  • What is the actual process flow?

     
  • How is it documented?

     
  • How accurate are your measurement systems?

     
  • How aligned are your measurements to the customer and throughout the organization?

     
  • Do you use your measures to run your business?

     
  • What are the critical factors that determine process performance?

     
  • Have you identified the value stream and the VA and NVA activities?

     
  • What are the sources of variability?

     
  • Which sources of variability can we control?

     
  • Is there an inconsistency in where the "people" think we are and where leadership thinks we are?

     
  • What types of improvements are required?

     
  • Do the improvements get at structural and management systems changes needed for success?

     
  • What are the implementation costs and expected benefits and ROI?

     
  • Has the improvement plan been documented and communicated?

Contact Raytheon Six Sigma

Top of the Page