Unexpected Ways Six Sigma Can Help Your Small Business

When you own a business, there aren’t many things more important than making sure your clients are satisfied and happy. Long gone are the days when being friendly and courteous were enough. While this helps, clients expect complete satisfaction from the services and products you sell and your support. Because of this, now is the time to learn how to improve customer satisfaction. 

This is true for businesses of all sizes and in all industries. Finding ways to eliminate defects in either the production or project management process is important for the long-term success of your business. 

With the help of a management methodology such as Six Sigma, you can optimize the way your business runs. Read below to find out more about how Six Sigma can benefit your small business.

Better Time Management

As a business owner, you need to find ways to help employees maximize their productivity levels. If you and your employees are making poor use of the hours in your workdays, then it is only a matter of time before problems start to occur. 

When using the Six Sigma methodology, business owners and employees are asked to set goals. These goals are set by looking at areas involving learning, performance and fulfillment. During the audit of performance, you and your team can uncover sources of waste. Identifying and eliminating these time-wasting habits will make your team more efficient.

A Great Way To Improve Customer Loyalty

Attracting new customers is far more expensive than keeping the existing customers your business has loyal. If you are looking for ways to optimize the way your business runs, you are bound to rub some customers the wrong way. Instead of letting an inefficient production process get in the way of customer loyalty, you need to realize the advantages that come with adopting the Six Sigma methodology.

As you start to audit your existing project management or production process, you need to look at data regarding customer satisfaction. If you have received lots of customer complaints in the last few months, then you need to view this as a sign that changes need to be made. Successfully revamping your company to eliminate any defects in the way you do business will help to improve the experience provided to the end-user. The happier your existing customers are with the products/services they receive from your business, the easier it will be to keep them loyal.

The Power of Supply Chain Management

If you run a production-based business, you know how important a strong supply chain is. Without raw materials from third-party suppliers, it will be difficult to manufacture and ship your products to consumers around the world. There are two basic methodologies used in Six Sigma. The define, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) methodology is used by businesses with existing production processes in place. The define measure, analyze, design and verify (DMADV) methodology is designed to help businesses develop new processes. Employees may also explore Six Sigma certification online as a way of proving their expertise in the field.

Identifying supply chain problems is the first step in figuring out how to avoid letting them affect production. If a particular third-party vendor is consistently late or unable to provide the materials you need, you will have to cut them loose and find another company to help you out. Keeping a close eye on the level of dependability and service provided by essential steps of your supply chain is crucial when trying to stay one step ahead of problems.

Properly Motivate Your Employees

Keeping employees engaged is vital when trying to improve productivity and loyalty levels. Most people want to work for companies that they feel are invested in their long-term professional growth. Providing the ability to earn Six Sigma certification is a great way to motivate your employees.

This professional growth opportunity will show employees that you are passionate about helping them expand their skillset. Not only will this help you develop a smarter and more productive workforce, it can also help you reduce employee turnover rates.

Shorter Cycle Times

Taking a small business from the startup phase to a success story requires the ability to take on large projects and complete them ahead of schedule.  The Six Sigma methodology allows team members to identify potential problems that might affect their ability to complete a particular project. Identifying these problems early on and coming up with solutions allows a project to progress much faster.

If your team is always thinking a few steps ahead, shortening cycle and project completion times becomes an achievable goal.

There is no denying how beneficial the Six Sigma methodology can be for small businesses. By educating yourself and your team, you can take advantage of the benefits offered by this proven methodology.