Statistical Process Control ( SPC )
A core element of ALL of the different methodologies, it is essential to understand this quality control mechanism in any business. Key tools within SPC are Run Charts, Process Capability and Design of Experiments, all of which provide a basis of data for continuous improvement. Please refer to our Terms, Tools & Acronyms page for a full description of SPC along with a range of tools employed.Lean Manufacturing and Lean Services
Please refer to our web pages 'Lean', and '20 Keys', and our Terms, Tools & Acronyms page for a full description of each, along with a range of tools employed.Total Quality Management ( TQM )
The TQM management methodology coined by Deming and encapsulated in his well known 14 points, essentially seeks to ensure constancy of purpose, competitive advantage and customer satisfaction through business process management and a focus on statistical analysis. Business Engineering has over 25 years experience in introducing and applying TQM concepts and Demings 14 points within business, having been trained by one of the worlds recognised Gurus, Myron Tribus. Please refer to our Terms, Tools & Acronyms page for a full description of TQM, Demings 14 Points and a range of tools employed.Six Sigma & Design for Six Sigma ( DFSS )
Originally developed by Motorola, Six Sigma seeks to improve process or manufacturing outputs by identifying and removing defect causes and minimising variability in manufacturing and business processes. As the name suggests, Six Sigma is a heavily statistically based process where 99.99966% of the outputs are defect free and of course achieving this level of quality has a cost, which may not be justifiable in all businesses. Six Sigma and Design for Six Sigma apply related structured processes or methodologies known as DMAIC ( Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, Control ) and DMADV (Define design, Measure critical features, Analyse alternative designs, Design details and optimise and Verify design). Six Sigma projects are strictly controlled through each of these gates or steps and usually managed by champions who are graded ( Black Belt, Green Belt etc ) according to their level of skills and experience within Six Sigma and its tools. Please refer to our Terms, Tools & Acronyms page for a full description of both Six sigma, Design for Six Sigma ( DFSS ) and each of their methodolgies DMAIC and DMADV, along with a range of tools employed.Lean Six Sigma or Lean Sigma
Simply put, Lean Six Sigma is a combination of the two approaches, providing for a both focus on waste elimination and a focus on the value add processes and reducing variablity. There is much debate about marrying the two methodologies and if so which to embed first. Our view is quite simply, that Lean is an easier process to implement and generally provides quicker wholesale returns, while Six Sigma is a much structured and finite process which is more suited to refinement of processes which are reasonably stable. Of course much depends on the state of your business and while we certainly see applications for both methodologies, we will recommend the most suitable approach and depth of implementation as best suits your circumstances.Beyond the quality methodologies, business also has to consider internationally recognised management standards such as ISO 9000 ( Quality Management ) and ISO 14000 ( Environmental Management ) and dependent on your industry, there are also a wide range of specific industry legislative and assurance standards. All of these essentially seek to ensure consistency of management and business operating procedures and product or service outcomes in conformance with industry norms. Business Engineering is highly experienced in developing and applying ISO 9000 documentation and systems over many years dating back to its origins within the UK aerospace industry. Business Engineering can work with your company and its staff to implement and document an ISO system within your business and if required secure accreditation. In summary, Business Engineering can work with your business on all quality fronts to derive and apply suitable quality systems and to ensure that you have appropriate, robust and sustainable processes, checks and balances within your business and that suitable levels of documentation, audit and management control are employed.
