Page 122 - Solid Waste Analysis and Minimization a Systems Approach

100 THE SIX SIGMA SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR DEPLOYMENT

Define
■ Define and clarify the project goal and timeline with the focus placed on the patients.
■ Establish the cross-functional waste analysis and minimization team.

Measure
■ Define the current state and current processes, including the development of a
process-flow map to baseline the system and to identify any bottlenecks and
establish current financial and environmental performance.
■ Collect and display data including task time, resources required, and process statistics.

Analyze
■ Determine process capability and speed utilizing statistical tools and charts.
■ Determine sources of variation and subsequent time bottlenecks.
■ Identify and quantify value-added and non-value-added activities.

Improve
■ Generate ideas and alternative data based solutions.
■ Conduct experiments and validate improved processes.
■ Develop action plans and standard operating procedures.

Control
■ Develop a control plan.
■ Monitor performance.
■ Mistake-proof processes.

Six Sigma has three overall targeted solutions: process improvement, process
design/redesign, and process management. Process improvement refers to a strategy
of fixing a problem while leaving the basic structure of the process intact (Pande et al.,
2000). Process design/redesign is a strategy not to fix a process but to replace the
process to fix the problem (Pande et al., 2000). Process management refers to integrating
Six Sigma methods into everyday business including

■ Processes are documented and managed end-to-end and responsibility has been
assigned in such a way as to ensure cross-functional management of critical processes.
■ Customer requirements are clearly defined and regularly updated.
■ Measures of outputs, process activities, and inputs are thorough and meaningful.
■ Mangers and associates use the measures and process knowledge to assess per-
formance in real time and take action to address problems and opportunities.
■ Process improvement and process design/redesign are used to constantly raise the
company’s levels of performance, competitiveness, and profitability.

The remainder of this chapter discusses the general Six Sigma approach as it relates to
solid waste minimization from the systems perspective. The DMAIC Six Sigma approach
will be revisited in Chap. 8 as it specifically relates to solid waste minimization and solid
waste audits.