Six Sigma has become one of the quality management techniques most widely used in view of the fact that its introduction in the 1990s. The importance of Six Sigma has continued rising in view of the fact that then companies like GE started applying it to various concepts and techniques in their business processes. This has helped the company in saving thousands of millions of dollars from the time that the concepts were first useful.
The simulation process
Process simulation is one of the different techniques used in Six Sigma, involving the use of a computer model of a real business processes. The computer model used in the simulation of process is designed to introduce all the critical components of a business process such as process input, process flow, and the various sub-systems used in the process. With the help of computer model simulation of processes, process managers can easily view the whole process a few minutes that would normally have taken days or even weeks to complete in the real world. Process simulation helps in collecting generous samples of data that can be analyzed and used to predict the effects of changes in the actual business processes. This allows analysts to simulate all possible changes that can be done in a business process and analyze the effect of such changes on the outcome. The changes are most useful in improving the quality can be elected and place through simulation processes more rigorous to authenticate the potential benefits of such changes. Once done, changes can be useful in the real world process, is now quite certain that the changes to take success in improving the quality of products manufactured or services rendered.
When and where to use
While process simulation is a powerful tool must be used correctly, and only in appropriate business processes. If the necessary information entered correctly, the computer simulation model will not be able to predict the effect of changes in the business process. This can seriously affect the quality of final products, whether such changes are implemented in the real process. Process simulation is more effective when a business process is complicated and hard to visualize. For less complicated processes, it is best to use maps processes in combination with brainstorming techniques for generating innovative thoughts for improving quality. The process simulation is useful in simulating business processes that require managers to make decisions at each the boards of the process. Process simulation is used to improve the logistics of a manufacturing enterprise the precise mapping of material flow from the moment of entering the factory floor by the time they reach the final consumer in the form of finished products.
Risks and drawbacks
Although the simulation of processes is very beneficial, may also start problems for an establishment if not used correctly. The companies often make the mistake of using the simulation of the process in each business process in the hope of improving quality. This can start confusion amongst employees, especially when the business and its staff are new concepts and philosophies of Six Sigma. If a process is too long and consists of several sub-processes, it is better to concentrate on sub-processes that affect the quality of the final product. Companies often try to simulate the full process, which leads to wasted time and effort. To realize the full potential of the simulation process, organizations need to simulate only those processes that are fundamental to the quality of products manufactured or services rendered.
About the Author:
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution’s Six Sigma Online offers online
six sigma training
and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Process Simulation And Six Sigma