Committing to the Six Sigma approach to business process improvement can lead to profound changes in an organization’s culture and the way that work gets done. Leaders choose the methodology because it instills and reinforces the idea that continuous improvement is essential for success in today’s increasingly competitive business environment. Deploying Six Sigma software helps companies control and document the process of improvement. Aside from the obvious benefits realized anytime software is used to manage projects, there are a few advantages of Six Sigma software that may not be as readily apparent. 

Structure

Embracing the Six Sigma methodology is one step on the road to continuous improvement, but it requires structure in order to succeed. Six Sigma software provides the architecture for improvement by giving every person in the organization the ability to suggest opportunities for improvement and follow them through to completion. Technology that supports Six Sigma ensures a consistent, repeatable approach to improvement.

Collaboration

Many leaders are surprised by the power of Six Sigma software to open up the organization to collaboration across functional silos. Very often, opportunities for improvement require the insights, skills and effort of people in different departments, teams or even locations. Technology can empower people who don’t normally work together to tackle some of the company’s most complex challenges.

Documentation

Documentation of Six Sigma improvements is important for a number of reasons. Understanding what has worked well - and not so well - in the past helps teams make better decisions about which potential changes should be considered. Additionally, well documented improvement projects proceed more smoothly and are more likely to result in positive change. Capturing this tribal knowledge hedges against staff turnover and makes bringing new employees up to speed much easier.

Engagement

The importance of employee engagement in Six Sigma organizations cannot be overstated. Employees who are willing to exert discretionary effort and who are emotionally invested make all the difference. Six Sigma software helps by providing an easy way for team members to engage in improvement and suggest ideas for positive change.  The best solutions also include built-in recognition and improvement broadcasting capabilities to help make sure that those who are contributing to Six Sigma efforts are acknowledged for their work.

Measurement

Measurement is a core component of the Six Sigma methodology. Although statistical measurement is important in certain types of business, it is also prudent to measure the impact of Six Sigma itself.  Six Sigma software provides a method of quantifying the ROI of each improvement and the approach as a whole, as well as measuring the level of individual engagement throughout the company.

These are just a few of the advantages that often tip the scale in favor of an investment in Six Sigma software. Organizations of all types and sizes have seen how technology can amplify and accelerate improvement initiatives. We’d be delighted to share some of their stories, discuss your unique challenges and explore the possibilities for your business.